WCBC

February 12th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

WCBC News has obtained the 2017 Annual Inspection Report regarding the Cumberland Street Bridge as well as the Draft Report for the Baltimore Street Bridge, and the documents do not seem to line up with recent conclusions made by the city about the conditions of the spans.  However, Cumberland City Administrator Jeff Rhodes told us the condition of the Baltimore Street Bridge has been on the radar for over a decade, and City Engineer John DiFonzo tells WCBC News the decision to close the Cumberland Street Bridge last fall was the right call because of its condition and a number of other factors, including that repairs were unlikely to be made to issues raised by inspectors.

Both documents were generated by the Wilson T. Ballard Company, the consultant contracted to perform bridge inspections by Allegany County.  The Draft Report on Baltimore Street Bridge was issued on November 16^th, 2017, and says the bridge is in poor condition, but also says: 

“Based on the above ratings and in accordance with the current Allegany County posting policy, the bridge does not require posting.  It is recommended the bridge remain on a two year inspection cycle.  However, due to the deterioration and settlement at the West Bearings, it is recommended to monitor the settlement at the West Bearings on a six month cycle.”  End quote.

The total estimated cost to repair the Baltimore Street Bridge is just over $240,000.  That includes all repairs from critical to medium in the opinion of the firm.

As for Cumberland Street Bridge, the Ballard Report does recommend replacement at a cost of $5,000,000, but also says:

“The bridge is currently posted at 11,000 lobs for Single Unit Vehicles and 20,000 lbs for Combination Vehicles.  Based on the above ratings and in accordance with the current Allegany County posting policy, we recommend keeping the current load posting signs.  It is recommended the bridge be placed on a 6 month inspection cycle to monitor the condition of the steel in Span 5, and to monitor the undetermined foundations.  If the monitor inspection cannot be completed in a timely manner, we recommend closing the bridge until repairs can be made.”

Paraphrasing the last line…the firm recommends closing the bridge if the six month inspection cannot be conducted in a timely manner.

The estimated cost to repair the Cumberland Street span is listed at just shy of $350,000.

The city wants to replace, rather than repair, both bridges.

DiFonzo tells us that federal bridge money, allocated through the county, is expected to help with the Baltimore Street project, and city officials hope to obtain federal money for the Cumberland Street span after more money is available in a future transportation funding bill.