OCEAN CITY, Md. - With summer fast approaching, visitors can expect more than just sunny skies, they’ll also have to navigate some travel disruptions, particularly on the Route 90 bridge.
Mike Burns, a regular vacationer to the popular beach destination, is no stranger to the hustle and bustle of Ocean City. "It's incredibly busy. Incredibly. Because this is a great place to come and hang out," Burns said.
However, those planning to make their way into town at night should prepare for some detours. A crucial maintenance project is underway on the Route 90 bridge, one of only two bridges providing access to the coastal town. The Maryland Department of Transportation has announced that a 12-mile stretch of Route 90 will be closed nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next several days.
The closure will affect motorists traveling into the area as the work includes guardrail repairs, bridge patching, inlet cleaning to improve drainage, and debris removal.
During the closure, drivers will be rerouted to the Route 50 bridge, which is expected to add approximately 30 minutes to the typical travel time.
While the maintenance may cause some delays, Burns feels the timing of the project is optimal. “It will cause a lot of traffic. But right now, the season hasn’t even started, so this is the time to do it instead of waiting until the middle of the summer when it really, really causes havoc for people,” he said.
MDOT has indicated that the work is expected to be completed by April 17, weather permitting, meaning that by next week, the Route 90 bridge should be back to normal operation.
Until then, those heading to the beach after hours can expect a slightly longer drive.