Bridge in Loch Raven Reservoir is now officially open for motorists

BALTIMORE, MD (November 20, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott was joined by Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach, Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Corren Johnson, along with officials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Baltimore City and County Departments of Public Works and Transportation to announce that the construction of the new Phoenix Road Bridge in Loch Raven Reservoir is now complete. 

“Today’s opening of the new Phoenix Road Bridge will reinstall 2-way traffic along Phoenix Road and reconnect communities in the Loch Raven Reservoir,” said Mayor Brandon Scott.  “Ensuring our roads and bridges meet the needs of residents is one of our most important responsibilities.  With projects like this along with the work being done by our Department of Transportation and my Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development, Baltimore City is taking historic strides to improve the city’s infrastructure in every part of our city.  This project would not have been possible without the incredible collaboration between the City, County, and all our project partners and I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who worked diligently on this project.” 

The replacement of the Phoenix Road Bridge over the Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County began in June 2022.  The project included the construction of a new 3-span steel girder bridge and demolition of the original 100-year-old structure.  The bridge was finished with a reinforced concrete deck, iron railings and decorative brick façade.  The new structure, which is 435 feet long, is one of the longest spanning bridges within the three city-owned reservoirs.

During construction, stringent environmental protections had to be implemented to safeguard the region’s drinking water supply and to protect the NCR Trail below.  All plans and specifications were reviewed and approved in compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment rules and regulations.  Monthly inspections for the conformance of these regulations were performed throughout construction of the new bridge.  In addition, the City worked closely with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in order to use the NCR Trail during construction. 

Although the Phoenix Road Bridge is located in Baltimore County, the City of Baltimore is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all the transportation infrastructure in its three reservoirs including Loch Raven, Liberty and Prettyboy.  This $10.5 million bridge replacement project was a joint venture between the City and Baltimore County, which demonstrates a truly successful partnership amongst these jurisdictions.

“Investments in our infrastructure are investments in our people,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “The Phoenix Road Bridge is a vital transportation link in northern Baltimore County, and we join residents and commuters alike in welcoming the return of this valued community interconnection.”

During construction, the Phoenix Road Bridge had to be completely closed for traffic.  Residents and commuters from Baltimore and Harford counties endured construction activities and significant detour routes while the new bridge was being built.  After nearly a year and a half of construction, the new structure was completed one month ahead of schedule.

This afternoon, the new Phoenix Road Bridge was reopened to traffic during a press event with Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and project partners.  To celebrate this momentous occasion, members of the Chesapeake Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America inaugurated the new bridge with the first official drive over the Gunpowder Falls.   

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