The new Nice-Middleton Bridge connecting Virginia to Maryland over the Potomac River is opening today. However, a group of cycling and outdoor enthusiasts doesn't want the old bridge to close. Unfortunately, they have not been able to block Maryland from dismantling the old Nice-Middleton Bridge.
A federal judge in Baltimore said on Tuesday that the organizations failed to meet the high legal threshold for blocking demolition, which lawyers for the state said will begin later this week.
Governor Larry Hogan are holding the ribbon cutting ceremony this morning to open the new span.
The lawyer hired by the coalition said leaving the original Nice-Middleton Bridge in place would preserve the opportunity to use it for recreation. When Hogan announced plans to replace the 1940s-era bridge, he pledged to include a dedicated bike/pedestrian lane on the new span. Those plans were later dropped to cut costs.
U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Boardman, former Virginia state Del. David Brickley, an advocate for the groups, said a restraining order would allow more time for citizens and local officials to pursue their options.
“When the old Nice Bridge is destroyed, it’s destroyed forever,” he said. “There is no re-do when Maryland unexpectedly blows up the bridge two days from now.”
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) listed “early 2023” as the opening date for the new Nice-Middleton Bridge. On Tuesday, hours before an emergency court hearing, the MDTA announced that the new bridge will open on Wednesday.
Brian Wolfe, director of project development for the MDTA, testified that they knew in June that the new span would be ready for traffic in early October.
Wolfe and attorneys for the state of Maryland argued that the old span is falling apart and soon could pose a danger to the public. They also maintained that groups looking to save it have yet to put forward a credible plan for financing its future needs and operating costs.
Wolfe said preserving the old bridge would eventually cause problems for the new span.
The Nice-Middleton Bridge is named for former Governor Harry W. Nice and former state Senator Thomas Middleton.
The former senator said he is not surprised the judge rejected the bike groups’ request for a temporary restraining order.
“The bridge is in horrible condition,” Middleton said. “Just ride under it and see the rusted beams and the concrete pilings that are just corroding.”
"It would have been nice” if the new bridge had included the bike/pedestrian lane that was promised, he added.
According to lawyers for the state of Maryland, demolition crews and equipment are on site and that a delay would have cost $21,000 a day.
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Source: WTOP.com
