Senator wants independent inspection of Bay Bridge

Also wants decision on new crossing

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Published 08/28/08

A state senator is calling for an independent safety inspection of the Bay Bridge following the discovery of corrosion in Jersey barriers that will shut down an eastbound lane for up to 10 weeks.

Assurances the bridge is safe no longer are enough, said Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Elkton, who will send the request to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

"We've been told for months now that everything is safe," he said. "Now the question is why didn't we know (about the corrosion) and what else don't we know."

The senator, whose district includes the part of the bridge under construction, also...

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Who is - 2008-08-29 11:03:55

I thought that O'Malley and his buddies were progressive? Since when is it progressive to see a capacity problem coming like a tidal wave and feel its effects and refuse to act?

This is not only dumb, it's bordering on malfeasance. Not building a bridge will NOT stop people; they're already coming. Of course it will cost money. Of course it will take time. That's why you start planning. As cantankerous and whatever else you want to call him, Major/Governor/Comptroller Shaeffer understood how to get things done. Please, please... somebody act before the lines get 10 miles long (oops, too late) and more people die from a bridge that will not be able to be properly maintained.

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John Myers - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

bay bridge and all roads - 2008-08-28 22:29:25

Problems like this need to be fixed
we the Transportation community
pay a lot.Stop the skimming and use the funds for what they are meant for. Build Roads and Bridges for all of the U.S.A Thanks

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matthew horn - millsboro, DE - Karma: Bad