The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will carry out maintenance work on the MD 4 Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge on Thursday night, November 14, weather permitting. The bridge, located at the county line between Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, will see lane closures as crews perform essential lighting upgrades for improved navigation safety. Work is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., with all lanes expected to reopen by 5 a.m. the following morning.
MDOT SHA crews will be on-site installing new navigational lighting, a step designed to enhance safety on the bridge for both drivers and marine vessels passing beneath it. The maintenance will involve closing one of the two travel lanes, with a flagging operation in place to guide drivers safely through the area. Officials aim to minimize disruptions by scheduling the work during late-night hours when traffic is typically lighter.
The bridge, which serves as a major thoroughfare between the two counties, carries a steady flow of commuters and local residents. According to MDOT SHA, the addition of navigational lights aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain and improve safety features on Maryland’s critical infrastructure.
Traffic Advisory Measures
MDOT SHA has advised drivers to be alert for the changing traffic patterns and follow all posted signage around the work zone. To help inform the public of the upcoming maintenance, portable variable message signs will be placed along surrounding state routes in advance of the closure. These signs will notify drivers of potential delays and remind them of the need to reduce speed in the work area.
Safety is a top priority for MDOT SHA, especially in work zones where both drivers and workers are at risk. The Administration has urged all drivers to use caution as they pass through the area, stressing the importance of reducing speed and adhering to flagging directions. Slowing down in work zones is critical, not only for your own safety but for the safety of the crews working hard to keep our roadways maintained.
Community Resources
For additional details, residents and travelers are encouraged to contact the MDOT SHA District 5 Office, which oversees maintenance and improvements in the region, at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603. The District 5 Office serves both Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties and is available to answer questions about the upcoming maintenance and other regional roadway improvements.
In addition, MDOT SHA has a network of real-time traffic information resources. Residents can visit the Maryland 511 website or download the MDOT SHA app to receive updates about current traffic conditions, scheduled roadwork, and potential incidents affecting travel times. With resources like these, MDOT SHA aims to keep Maryland drivers informed and better prepared for changes in traffic conditions.
Bridge History and Maintenance Efforts
The MD 4 Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge, completed in 1977, spans the Patuxent River and plays a vital role in the local transportation infrastructure. It connects Southern Maryland residents to key employment, healthcare, and educational facilities. Maintenance of the bridge and similar structures is part of the ongoing investment MDOT SHA makes in its infrastructure to support Maryland’s economy and public safety. Recently, MDOT SHA has focused on structural maintenance, lighting improvements, and safety enhancements, aligning with broader state transportation objectives.
Maintenance work like the upcoming lighting installation is part of a regular schedule of updates and repairs performed by MDOT SHA across the state. By addressing issues such as lighting and structural wear, MDOT SHA seeks to reduce long-term repair costs and extend the operational life of Maryland’s infrastructure.
As the bridge remains essential for the region’s connectivity, MDOT SHA will continue to invest in periodic upgrades to ensure it meets the needs of modern transportation. This project is expected to improve visibility for nighttime navigation, benefiting drivers, cyclists, and boaters who rely on this critical crossing point between Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
