Joint Venture Delivers Final Phase of Old Nice-Middleton Bridge Project

In a joint venture, Skanska, along with Corman Kokosing Construction Company and McLean Contracting Company, have completed the final phase of the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge project for the Maryland Transportation Authority. This milestone was achieved with the demolition of the original bridge and enhancement of artificial fish reefs from the deconstructed bridge materials.

During the final phase, the old bridge was demolished and 12 barge loads totaling 16,030 tons of concrete were repurposed to enhance artificial fish reefs in both the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. The team executed a careful and controlled demolition process, combining mechanical and controlled blast demolition techniques, including the following:

• Workers cut and removed concrete deck sections individually, lifting them off in segments
• The team used strategic explosive charges to drop large steel truss sections into the water, which were then crane-lifted and transported for recycling, minimizing environmental impact
• Foundation removal used controlled explosives to rubblize the structure, allowing debris removal via crane-mounted clamshell bucket instead of underwater hammering, expediting the demolition schedule.

The enhancement of artificial fish reefs provided mitigation for some of the project’s environmental impacts. Artificial reefs enhance marine habitats, providing shelter for various species, including striped bass, bluefish and oysters. Strategically placed artificial reefs offer protection against the impacts of storms and tides and can protect aquatic vegetation and waterfront communities from the effects of waves, floods and tides.

Construction on the project commenced in March 2020, with the new Nice/Middelton Bridge opening in October 2022. The new bridge offers four 12-foot-wide lanes, 2-foot shoulders and a 42-inch-high concrete median barrier, resulting in increased capacity and improved safety. The team completed this second phase of the job, the demolition of the original bridge and enhancement of artificial fish reefs in December 2024.

Image courtesy of Skanska