On-Site Bridge Inspection - William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge over the Chesapeake Bay
Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Statewide, Maryland The William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge, also known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, is a major dual-span bridge that connects Maryland’s rural eastern shore with its capital, Annapolis. Marine Solutions performed a Level I, II and III underwater structural condition inspection on both the eastbound and westbound structures. The two structures are each over 21,000 feet in length with over 120 piers and bents and multiple simple approach spans (steel for the eastbound bridge, and prestressed concrete for the westbound bridge), continuous plate girder approach spans, and continuous truss approach spans, which rise to meet the main suspension spans crossing the navigation channel. Diving operations were conducted from Marine Solutions Jillian V, a 41-foot work vessel, using a surface-supplied air station. A diver decompression chamber was on site for all dives that exceeded 80 feet deep. Complete inspection reports, sounding maps, and bridge elevation and profile drawings were provided. Marine Solutions also performed above water hands-on inspections of the 45 approach spans, 24 piers, and fender systems on the eastbound bridge and 92 approach spans, two anchorage piers, and fender systems on the westbound bridge. Superstructure and/or substructure elements were accessed using either a Harcon Man-Lift boat which has a maximum vertical reach of approximately 65 feet; or an 80-foot man-lift anchored to a barge. |