The United States Naval Academy Bridge
A bridge has served this area since 1836 when a timber trestle bridge with a swing span was built across the Severn River. It was replaced with a concrete and steel low-level drawbridge in 1924. After more than 70 years it became necessary to replace the drawbridge. In recognition of this unique location in the State Capital, near the home of the United States Naval Academy and overlooking one of the most scenic rivers in the country, Governor William Donald Schaefer's Office of Art and Culture and the State Highway Administration held a special competition in 1989 to design a new bridge. This was the first major bridge competition successfully concluded in the United State in 100 years. The winning concept, which combined engineering excellence with aesthetics, produced the current, high-level, fixed-span bridge completed in 1995. The bridge was named the United States Naval Academy Bridge to honor the school's 150-year anniversary.
[right marker] The United States Naval Academy Bridge
Commemorating 150 Years of Service to Our Country
Severn River, Annapolis
State of Maryland
1995
William Donald Schaefer, Governor
Louis L. Goldstein, Comptroller
Lucille Maurer, Treasurer
Maryland Department of Transportation
O. James Lighthizer, Secretary
Hal Kassoff, State Highway Administrator
Earle S. Freedman, Chief Bridge Engineer
Paul E. Matys, SHA Project Engineer-Design
Edward H. Meehan, District Engineer
Daniel C. Witt, SHA Project Engineer-Construction
Douglas N. Silber, Legal Counsel
GREINER, INCORPORATED, DESIGNER
CIANBRO CORPORATION, CONTRACTOR
[left marker] Severn River Bridge, Built 1922-24, Albert C. Ritchie - Governor, State Roads Commision, John N. Mackall - Chairman & Chief Engr., Omar D. Crothers, D.C. Winebrenner, L.H. Steuart - Secretary
Marker is on U.S. Naval Academy Bridge (Maryland Route 450) 0.2 miles east of Badger Road, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
