Boaters at the Solomons Boat Ramp are facing modified traffic patterns and longer wait times this week, a downstream effect of a tractor-trailer crash that damaged the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge last week.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office had asked for the public’s help identifying the driver of a tractor-trailer involved in a crash Tuesday, Aug. 25, on the bridge in Solomons. According to CCSO, the truck struck a large section of fencing located atop the bridge’s concrete barrier, damaging several vehicles, including a school bus, in the process. The truck appeared to be hauling a large piece of equipment at the time. By 11:30 a.m. the following day, CCSO announced the driver had been identified and located, thanking the public for tips.
St. Mary’s County’s own government confirmed the bridge was shut down that day due to the crash, urging drivers to seek alternate routes and expect delays.
The barrier and fencing damage from that crash is now driving changes at the nearby Solomons Boat Ramp. The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation says traffic flow into and out of the boat ramp parking lot has been modified to accommodate necessary repairs tied to the bridge damage. The changes reduce available boat trailer parking and may lead to longer-than-normal wait times to access the ramp. The sidewalk leading to the fishing pier is also closed, though the pier itself remains open to anglers.
CCPR says the modified traffic pattern will stay in place until the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration completes repairs. We have reached out to MDOT for additional information on the extent of the bridge damage, whether any structural inspections are underway, and an expected timeline for completing repairs; no response had been received as of publication, and this article will be updated if one is provided.
In the meantime, boat ramp users are asked to follow all posted signage and directions from ramp staff. Questions can be directed to CCPR’s Natural Resources Division at 410-535-5327, or 410-474-0888 for after-hours and weekend assistance. Updates are expected to be posted to CCPR’s Facebook page.
