Dyson Calls for
Solomon's Bridge to
Added
to Critical Inspection
List
|
|
August 3, 2007
The Honorable
John D. Porcari
Secretary
Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 548
Hanover, MD 21076
Dear Secretary Porcari:
I have been
informed that the State Highway Administration will be
inspecting 10 Maryland bridges in the near-future in response to
the enormous bridge collapse tragedy in Minnesota. I applaud you
for doing so. However, I understand that the Governor Thomas
Johnson Bridge, which links St. Mary’s County to Calvert County,
is not on the list to be immediately inspected.
My office has been inundated with e-mails, faxes, letters and
phone calls from people who are greatly concerned of traveling
over this bridge. And that was before the Minnesota tragedy.
As you know, I have put in legislation that has mandated that
the Maryland Department of Transportation replace the Governor
Thomas Johnson Bridge for the past few General Assembly
Sessions. Your department testified against my bills each year
which helped them fail.
You know this bridge well. The State Highway Administration
tells me that this bridge is safe. I, like my constituents,
respectfully disagree. By your records, it was last inspected on
June 24, 2006. I think a significant re-inspection is warranted
now.
I am asking you personally not to neglect Southern Maryland and
instruct your department to inspect the Governor Thomas Johnson
Bridge.
As always, John, thank you for all you do for the constituents
we are mutually privileged to serve and look forward to a
favorable response to this letter.
Maryland Senator Roy Dyson
District 29
