STEVENSVILLE, Md.- How do you maneuver four 1,500 metric ton cranes under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge? Very carefully.
On Wednesday, four super-sized container cranes slowly made the trek north to the Port of Baltimore. Each crane is about 14 stories tall. They were made in China and hitched a ride aboard a massive cargo ship. Crowds of people gathered along the shore to stare at the sight, all agree it was an amazing thing to see.
"It's amazing those are huge cranes they are the largest Baltimore has so far," said Don Mckeough of Chester, Md. To ensure driver safety, the Maryland Transportation Authority closed down traffic in both directions. The vessel creeped under the bridge just before 2 p.m. and it could have easily become a distraction for drivers.
Drivers said the decision to close the bridge was a no-brainier.
"So people don't sight see, lose control and cause accidents, which is probably a good idea," said John Rappold of Kent Island.
Kimberly Burns of Chester, Md., was taking her three kids to see the ship pass under the bridge. Fortunately for her, she made it across just before officials closed the lanes.
"I was coming across the bridge and all the cars were coming out, the state cars were coming out with their lights getting ready to close the bridge, probably within minutes of us getting across," said Burns.
Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions. Drivers had no choice but to wait for the gigantic cranes to pass under and clear the bridge. Irene Hall was headed back to Washington D.C., and says the worst part was dealing with the heat.
"I am mad because it's hot and you can't run the car sitting here because you are going to waste your gas," Hall said.
