Ocean Pines bridge project underway

A major bridge project is underway in Ocean Pines and the price-tag is $377,417.              

Construction began on the Ocean Parkway Bridge and the Clubhouse Drive Bridge on Thursday.  

Association officials say that both are over 50 years old and were in desperate need of repairs.  

Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer said, “It’s all about safety. We are big on having public safety and even if that costs a pretty penny or a little bit more than what folks are used to we’re going to pay for it to keep folks safe.”   

Officials say a recent bridge report helped expose the problems and it was the Board of Directors who moved quickly to correct them.  

“We’re hoping to get this project underway and fixed now that we are in the off-season,” said Sawyer.    

“I’m glad they are doing it because the wood was getting bad. You could see there was a lot of rot in it and now I’ve been noticing they’ve changed the style a little bit and added a little class to it but I’m glad they’re doing it,” said local resident Dean Snider.

Officials are asking travelers to give themselves extra time to work through lane closures and slower traffic. The estimated time of completion is about three weeks.