Cobb Island, MD – The Charles County Commissioners would like to thank all residents who participated in the Cobb Island bridge design voting. The voting results helped the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) determine the final concept for a proposed new bridge to Cobb Island on Route MD 254 over Neale Sound. The bridge will have 14 foot traffic lanes in each direction, a raised sidewalk for pedestrians, and a shared use bike lane. In addition, the bridge will be lit by streetlights.
“I really appreciate SHA allowing the public to weigh in in this special selection election. It gave residents an opportunity to play an important role, which they did, in what the bridge will look like. The new bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 80 years,” said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).
SHA held an initial public information session for the project in November 2015 to get input on what features should be included in the new bridge, including sidewalks and bike lanes. Based on feedback received at the November meeting, SHA developed renderings of four proposed bridge design options. Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1) then convened two “vote the bridge” sessions in January 2016 to allow the public to make the selection of which bridge design should be constructed. Approximately 100 residents attended the voting sessions and made their opinions known on this important project.
Construction of the bridge will begin in 2017, and will take approximately 18 months to complete.