Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge

 

In 1940 Route 301,a shorter north-south route through Maryland and Virginia, was completed. To carry this road over the Potomac, the Potomac River Toll Bridge was built. The loose mud of the river required extensive subterranean support work. 1700 piles and 7 special drivers were necessary. The bridge actually extends farther below the surface than it does above. Steel caissons were then floated out and used as concrete molds. The superstructure rises from its piles an at an angle, almost forming a triangle before angling out again. In 1967 it was renamed the Governor Harry W. Nice memorial bridge after the politician who championed its construction. Its 1986 rehabilitation cost $17.54 million but was funded completely by tolls.

 

Facts and Figures

Directions
Length: 1.7 miles, 29 spans

Main span: 800 ft.

Height: 135 ft.

Depth: 195 ft.

14,000 ft of piling used

Cost: $5 million
  • From the I-97 exit to Route 301, south.
  • Continue until you exit Maryland over the Potomac

Map

 

 

References:

www.mdarchives.state.md.us
"New Potomac Span opened by Gov." Baltimore Sun, 12/15/40