An aerial view of the Dover Bridge (Photo: WBOC Chopper 16)EASTON, Md.- Cracked concrete, rusted rails and a deteriorated foundation have given the Maryland State Highway Administration no choice but to make much needed improvements to the Dover Bridge.
"The purpose of the lane closures is to do some concrete repair on the deck and cover it with a new epoxy that will make it a much smoother riding surface and plus, it will protect the bridge from moisture," said SHA spokesperson Gee Williams.
For the next two weeks one lane on the bridge will be closed between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. For years Dover bridge users have been calling for a new bridge. They will not get their wish but they are happy progress is being made.
"I am glad they are doing something, it's got to be done," said Sherman Dolby of Denton.
Michael Owens of Greensboro uses the Dover Bridge every week. He said the bridge needs to be replaced and anything less is a waste.
"The issue is, why are people asking for a new bridge, putting in an attempt and saying, 'Well, at least we are trying to do something,' isn't cutting it," Owens said. "We get too much of the at least we tried business, we don't need that we need success and we need things done correct and proper."
Bridge users find the bridge connecting Talbot and Caroline counties to be unsafe. But SHA's Williams maintains the Dover Bridge is not dangerous.
"The fact that it's a little more narrow isn't what people are used to these days, but it's perfectly safe," Williams said.
