EASTON, Md.- George Jackson of Denton, Md., has been fighting for a new Dover Bridge since 1996. He said that when he started his mission the bridge, which crosses the Choptank River and connects Caroline and Talbot counties, was in bad shape. Now, 16 years later it is nearly falling apart.
"The concrete is decayed on it, it's been patched over and over they keep painting the rust over on the bridge the center span they keep doing things to it and it keeps messing up," Jackson said.
Now, the Maryland State Highway Administration has allocated money for a new Dover Bridge. But it is just the first step in a long process.
Some say it is a step in the right direction but they want a firm timeline of when this project will start and finish.
"Anything is a step in the right direction but we need more, we don't need to be appeased over and over to make us feel good for a day or two, we need this bridge built," Jackson said.
SHA spokesman Gee Williams said the state is following protocol. He said start and end dates will not be made until all necessary funding is secured.
"Completion of design and right away funding are necessary steps before you can get to that point," Williams said.
Williams and the SHA maintain a new Dover Bridge is on the way.
"What is important to know is that it will be replaced and it's just a matter of when revenues are adequate to do the entire job," Williams said. "You can't do it piecemeal. It's all or nothing,"
Will it crumble? Or be rebuilt? There is no telling which may come first.
The Dover Bridge (Photo: WBOC)
