MDOT finishes work on Wharf Rd interchange near Tradepoint Atlantic

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has completed construction of a $34.3 million project to replace three 70-year-old bridges at the interchange of MD 151 (Sparrows Point Boulevard) and Wharf Road (MD 151B) in Sparrows Point, Baltimore County. The renovated interchange improves safety and accessibility for commercial and local traffic, including Maryland Transit Administration buses 63 and 163 that serve the nearby Tradepoint Atlantic logistics center.

“These significant improvements at the Sparrows Point Boulevard and Wharf Road interchange demonstrate how our transportation network can improve safety, enhance the quality of life for communities, drive economic growth in our state and strengthen our position as a leader in global logistics,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld.

Improvements that have been completed as part of the project include:

replacement of the Wharf Road bridge over the Tradepoint Atlantic freight railroad line (Northern bridge);replacement of the southbound Wharf Road ramp to southbound MD 151 (Middle bridge);replacement of the MD 151 bridge over Wharf Road and the Tradepoint Atlantic freight railroad line (Southern bridge);bicycle-compatible shoulders on all three bridges;addition of new sidewalks along the MD 151 bridge over Wharf Road;upgraded interchange lighting and signage; andpavement resurfacing throughout the interchange.

The original MD 151 bridge and interchange, constructed in the 1950s, originally served as the main entrance for the Bethlehem Steel plant in Sparrows Point.

Today, the reconstructed interchange serves Tradepoint Atlantic, which has redeveloped the former Bethlehem Steel plant site into a global logistics center. The facility is home to several major tenants including Amazon, FedEx, Under Armour, McCormick & Co. and more. As of 2023, the interchange carried 11,400 vehicles per day, including tractor trailers and buses. Projections estimate that by 2043, traffic will nearly double to 22,300 vehicles per day.

Construction on the project to replace the bridges connecting the interchange roadways and ramps began in fall 2020. The Northern and Middle bridges were completed and opened to traffic in 2022. The Southern bridge was completed and opened to traffic in December 2023. Crews have now finished all final elements of the project, ensuring the new bridges are safe and reliable.

“At the State Highway Administration, our mission to create and maintain a safe, reliable and multimodal transportation network that serves Marylanders today and well into the future,” said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “The replacement of these bridges, essentially delivering a brand-new interchange, is a critical investment in Maryland’s transportation infrastructure.”