NEWBURG, Md. – A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit brought by outdoor enthusiasts and bicyclist groups to maintain the old Harry Nice/Middleton Bridge (US 301) did not meet the standards necessary to halt impending demolition.
The bridge, which connects Charles County to King George County, Virginia, has demolition slated to begin after the newly constructed bridge is opened on October 13. A ribbon cutting with several high-ranking officials, including Governor Larry Hogan, is planned for October 12.
Per the court documents, activists had been hoping that the old bridge would be maintained and used as a cyclist and walking path.
This comes after initial plans to include bike lanes on the new bridge were removed, dropping the price tag by hundreds of millions of dollars.
The lawsuit named several defendants, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, and several Maryland-specific government agencies.
One argument made by the defense included how having both bridges so close could lead to “scouring” in the soil, which has the potential to erode or cause structural problems at the base of the bridge.
The judge eventually ruled that there were no grounds to delay the demolition and denied the request for a temporary restraining order. Demolition is slated to begin on October 13, immediately following the bridge’s opening to traffic.
This is a developing story.
We will continue to provide additional updates on the bridge construction and demolition as it is made available.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
So, 50 libs want to keep the old bridge and use it for free? (At least the article called them what they are: “activists”). If they want to keep the old bridge, the state could charge a $10 toll for maintenance BUT, when only 50 people would use it every year, that wouldn’t even begin to cover the yearly repairs. TEAR IT DOWN!
Hey activists; Why not get paddle boats or canoes and cross the water for free?
Because Hogan did a bait and switch. I’m not for keeping the old bridge, but they should have kept the bike and pedestrian lanes on the new one.
Bait and switch? More like save us millions of dollars so it stays on schedule.
Fair enough… but for the additional cost realistically how many would use it? There are no established trails near the bridge on the MD side, the Dahlgren Rail Trail is contained within King George and dead-ends both directions at roadways.
There’s no major residential on either side of the bridge nor is there anything attraction-wise that demands an expensive pedestrian crossing. And on top of that the average person would walk or bike that incline once and say never again.
Hogan stole funds from the mandatory bike lanes tied to original funding. Then he stated that they would use the old bridge for this purpose, now he’s got a friend contractor that will make many millions to tear down the old bridge so he’s reversing his plans again. Many people will use this bridge to cycle/walk, it could even help rebuild Clifton with modern homes.
I’m no lib
And if any of that were true, he would’ve been taken to court. Quit your belly aching.
Yea why cost the Maryland tax payers millions of dollars to maintain a bridge for some people who want to bike. Screw that, tear it down
It should’ve been torn down 40 years ago
Not only should it go, Bikes have zero business on the road any way. I’m glad they scrapped the bike lanes from the new bridge, What a waste of money that would’ve been.
I guess you don’t/can’t ride a bike. Ignorant, selfish, and ridiculous comment.
What a silly comment. Where do you think bikes “belong”?
Up your rear end
Even sillier comment. Essentially, you don’t want to allow bicycles on the road and you are mad because they are there. You probably complain about congestion on the road. Bicycling, if properly incorporated, could lead to healthier life styles, less congestion, and less accidents. And to the first commenter, not all activists are liberals and not all bicyclists are liberals.
Another intelligent response. Would you care to explain where you think bikes “belong”?
I already did, go up two comments
i am sympathetic to bike riders. I am sympathetic to those that find other ways of transportation to avoid auto accidents. Good question: what is the occasion that the governor comes when he normally doesn’t bother or is too busy?
What is your question?
i am just guessing that the parts of the construction i wanted to see are photographed or taped, since I couldn’t get close. + if they’re not, I will probably only get an apology.
Bikers\ derby dames: don’t lower your standards when they’re not met. Yes, now you know that judges, also, are capable of not meeting your standards.
I applaud those that find other ways of getting around besides using an automobile.
I’m guessing that the bridge will continue to charge a toll [tax]. Why is it that the toll doesn’t stop when the bridge is paid for\ when theres a slush fund? Why doesn’t the bridge have an occasional toll instead of an always or perpetual toll?
Awww another hypocrite response, priceless
How do you expect them to upkeep the bridge genius?! it will look like the Solomons bridge!
how about going to court over the tolling, over the all electronic tolling? that sucks.
Just stop before the bridge and cover your tags, once in king george uncover them, I’ve been doing that since they closed the toll booths
Well you’re a pathetic person if you have to go through that much trouble to scam the system. Maybe grow a set and post under your real name since you’re such a rebel?
The system is a scam, I’m just throwing it back in their face keyboard warrior
Nah, you are just acting like an infant.
The artificial reef the old bridge will make, will benefit the residents Maryland and Virgina both recreationally and enviromentally.
I just hope it is built well and does not fall, since there was this clandestine rush to open it before Hogan leaves office.
The decision not to add a biker/hiker section (like on the Wilson Bridge) was very short sighted. If longer range thinking existed, that could have been part of a nice eco-tourism trail. with small businesses and hotels on either side of the bridge supporting it.
The lawsuit attempt to save a decrepit structure was just dumb and was rightly tossed out.
Then why haven’t you been tossed out yet?
Nah, you are just acting like an infant.
No I’m tired of paying to cross a bridge that was paid for to be replaced 40 years ago, every time YOU cross that bridge you put $6 more dollars into politicians pockets
“Anonymous says: October 14, 2022 at 6:45 pm I already did, go up two comments” Most people choose not to highlight their lack of maturity and intelligence, you seem to revel in it.
Well it’s all directed towards you so you’re welcome
That’s the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time!!! Do you ever actually read anything before you post or reply?
Yes, do you
Ok…I’ve never met anyone before who is willing,no HAPPY, to admit and shine a spotlight on their lack of maturity and intelligence.
All directed towards yourself
It was way over due for the old bridge to go. No need to keep it around for taxpayers to pay for the upkeep. Besides, if it was kept for bikers, then there would have to be a parking lot on both sides for people to leave their vehicles and there’s no place for that.
We cruised our boat under the old bridge many times and would look up and say, “this thing needs to go.” The new bridge is very nice, but one thing that concerns me is, hopefully it won’t be like the Thomas Johnson bridge here in Solomon’s, one too many suicides. That would be more of a concern to me and nothing has been done about it.