Robert J. Hodge, who owns a storage space company in North East and makes many deliveries to Aberdeen, said he has no doubts about the need to rebuild the bridge. But restrictions will create problems for his truckers, who will have to detour more than 4 miles on each trip.
"We have to make deliveries during daylight hours," he said. "The route around this construction will cost more, especially with the price of diesel fuel. It's about $1 a mile now, so every mile out of the way increases the cost of doing business."
Safety issues prompted the restrictions, said Fish.
"We did this solely for safety reasons," Fish said. "If there was an accident with a tractor-trailer, it would take hours to remove the truck."
The steel truss design of the 48-foot-wide bridge makes it impossible to provide shoulders. But narrowing and heightening the exterior barriers will make space for slightly wider lanes.
"We are eking out as many inches as we can," said Nafiz Alqasem, project manager.
The contract, with Joseph B. Fay Co., based in Pittsburgh, calls for substructural repairs and the replacement of seven piers, officials said.
Several people attending the workshop asked to use their reduced toll decals, which have attracted local commuters to the Hatem Bridge, on I-95. Financial ramifications and the logistical difficulties in limiting passes to Cecil and Harford county residents forced MdTA to deny those requests, Fish said.
About 70,000 vehicles a day cross the I-95 bridge over the river. E-Z passes are available for those motorists.
"We know Hatem has always been a cheap toll, and we have thought about it every which way, but we cannot offer the same toll on I-95," he said. "It would mean a significant loss of revenue."
Laurie Lopez of Port Deposit said she would likely continue using Hatem in the morning, but would switch to I-95 for her return trip, when she envisions rush hour congestion on the older bridge. She was among the more than 50 residents who attended the Cecil County workshops.
Workshops are scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Meadowvale Elementary School Gym, 910 Graceview Drive, Havre de Grace. Information: www.hatembridge.com or 888-MDTA-411.
mary.gail.hare@baltsun.com
