US Naval Academy Bridge

 

In 1989 the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Governor's Office of Art and Culture announced a competition to design a new Severn River bridge. Twenty-one firms from around North America and Western Europe submitted plans, and the contract was awarded to Greiner, Inc. of Towson. Its design consisted of the roadway being supported by twin box girders, each with a length of 300 feet. These rested on thin tapered columns with granite covered bases at water level. The pilings beneath the bridge reach down 145 feet. The result is a thin curve stretching over the water from Jonas Green State Park to the US Naval Academy. The old Severn River bridge, a 1920's drawbridge, was dismantled and used as foundation for an oyster reef. Only 280 feet remain on the eastern end as a fishing pier and offers a good view of the new bridge. In 1994 the Severn River bridge on MD 450 was renamed the US Naval Academy Bridge.

 

Facts and Figures

Directions
New:
Length: 2,700 ft.
Width: 54 ft. 2 lanes and 2 sidewalks
Material: 52,00 tons of concrete and 6,000 tons of steel
 
Old:
Length: 1,827 ft long, 27 spans,
Width: 34ft., 2 lanes and 2 sidewalks
Clarence: 15ft.
Cost: $800,000
  • Take I-97 south until it ends at Route 50/301. Take this west.
  • Turn right at MD 70 and left at MD 450.
  • It passes through the Naval Academy and then over the US Naval Academy Bridge.

Map

 

 

References:

US Naval Academy Bridge Fact Sheet; "Finalist Named for Severn River bridge Design Competition"; Old Severn River Bridge formal Opening; Severn River Bridge Competition Exhibition brochure