FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 10, 2016

BICYCLISTS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT TO CROSS

HATEM BRIDGE BEGINNING JULY 1

BALTIMORE, MD - At the Annual Bike Maryland Bicycle Symposium in Annapolis, Transportation Secretary and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Chairman Pete K. Rahn today announced bicyclists will be allowed to ride across the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) starting July 1, 2016.  Currently, the MDTA prohibits bicyclists from traveling on any of its toll facilities.  For years, bicyclists have complained that the Hatem Bridge over the Susquehanna River has been a chokepoint for people attempting to ride the 9/11 Memorial Trail and use the East Coast Greenways from Maine to Florida.

"We have heard your requests and today, the Hogan Administration is delivering by allowing bicyclists to ride on the Hatem Bridge starting July 1," said Chairman Rahn. 

Since there are no shoulders on the Hatem Bridge, the plan will allow bicyclists to share the right travel lanes with motorists.  A full implementation plan will be developed between now and July 1.  As the plan is developed, the MDTA will be making decisions on:  toll collection, safety signage, travel restrictions based on time of day, and more.

The MDTA is the agency that finances, owns, operates and maintains the State's eight toll facilities.  The Hatem Bridge is the oldest of the MDTA's toll facilities.  The 1.3-mile, four-lane bridge opened in August 1940.  The posted speed limit on the Hatem Bridge is 45 mph.

For real-time updates on major incidents follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA.  Find us at mdta.maryland.gov and on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.

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