The Governor Harry W. Nice – Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (Nice-Middleton Bridge) carries US 301 over the Potomac River between Newburg in Charles County, Maryland, and Dahlgren in King George County, Virginia. The existing two-lane structure was replaced by a four-lane structure, significantly increasing capacity for this vital thoroughfare.

An Important Regional Thoroughfare

The project included a new four-lane bridge with an all-electronic tolling system, construction of approach/intersecting roadways, and the demolition of the existing bridge. The project was the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) largest transportation project to date and followed a design-build delivery method. Design was completed in 11 months, and construction was completed in 30 months. The bridge rises to a height of 135 feet above the Potomac River, allowing for the passage of tall vessels. The total project cost topped $462 million. It was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, and now serves more than 18,000 vehicles daily.

Independent Design Quality Management

Kleinfelder teamed with the construction team of Skanska-Corman-McClean joint venture to lead and provide independent design quality management (IDQM) services. Expedited reviews were conducted throughout both design and construction phases to maintain the accelerated project schedule. Kleinfelder was responsible for signing, sealing, and certifying that all design submittals, including redline revisions, were in conformance with the contract documents, environmental commitments, permit conditions, and design quality management plan prior to construction.

Kleinfelder coordinated closely with the lead designer on each design submittal to identify issues and acquire additional information to complete reviews in a timely manner. Over 150 design packages were reviewed and approved as released for construction (RFC) packages, resulting in several rounds of comments and revisions before final approval. Over-the-shoulder reviews were utilized to assist the design-builder with the development of submittals and to minimize the number of resubmittals and revisions before obtaining final approvals.

Project Results

The new Nice-Middleton Bridge opened to traffic in October 2022, ahead of schedule and under-budget. The project has received numerous awards:

• Design Build Institute of America, Mid-Atlantic Region (DBIA-MAR), Project of the Year, Infrastructure – Award of Excellence, and Best in Design Excellence – Engineering (2023)
• Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), National Chapter, Merit Award (2023) – READ MORE >
• American Council of Engineering Companies, Maryland Chapter (ACEC/MD), Honor Award (2024)
• American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), National Chapter, Honor Award (2024)

Project Details

Location:
Maryland and Virginia
Owner:
Maryland Transportation Authority

Photo courtesy of the Maryland Transportation Authority