FHWA Solicits Ideas for Maryland Bridge Rebuild

What happened: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a Request for Information (RFI) Dec. 9, asking the public for “solutions or ideas” to accelerate rebuilding the 63-year-old American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland and Virginia north of Washington, D.C.

Why it matters: While the state of Maryland owns the bridge, FHWA notes that any rebuild will likely require federal funds in some form. Therefore, the agency is asking for ideas which will “ensure reconstruction advances safety, mobility, and technological innovation.” The RFI notes that a public-private partnership or alternative contracting method are possibilities. FHWA plans to share the results with the state.

What’s next: While releasing the RFI, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced his intention to meet with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). The agenda is to include potential managed lanes to alleviate congestion in the I-495/I-270 corridor adjacent to the Legion Bridge, as well as the status of the emergency Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement in Baltimore. Replies to the RFI are due Feb. 9.