BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore County school buses will no longer cross the century-old Warren Road Bridge, even as county and city officials maintain the bridge remains safe for drivers within its posted weight limits.
The decision comes as questions continue to mount over the condition and long-term future of the bridge, which has been rated in “poor” condition and has closed three times in the past decade for emergency repairs.
In a one-on-one interview with FOX45 News, Baltimore County Department of Public Works Director Lauren Buckler said everyday drivers should not be concerned about crossing the bridge under its current restrictions.
“If it wasn’t safe, it would be closed,” Buckler said, “The licensed engineers that have to do the inspection are making that call as they’re doing that inspection.”
ALSO READ | AG Brown sues United Healthcare, Optum for defrauding Maryland Medicaid Program
Baltimore County Public Schools says its buses will now take alternate routes to avoid crossing the bridge, saying the decision was made “to be proactive in case there are any future closures.”
The Warren Road Bridge has already been closed three times in the past decade for emergency repairs — in 2016, 2019 and 2023. It’s also been consistently rated to be in “poor” condition by federal investigators.
“The school system has talked to DPW just to confirm the weight rating, to confirm what we know about the bridge, and we did confirm it has a weight rating on it,” Buckler said, “This bridge has posted weight limits, so if you are an oversized vehicle, you know what that load is. If you are a regular vehicle, you’re fine. You’re well within the weight limits.”
While county officials maintain the bridge can continue to be used today, Buckler acknowledged questions remain about what happens in the years ahead.
“That’s the part we’re working on,” Buckler said, “What happens long term. How do we pay for it? Who pays for it?”
The Warren Road Bridge is located in Baltimore County but owned by Baltimore City — a distinction that has become central to an ongoing disagreement over how to pay for its eventual replacement.
ALSO READ | Annapolis felon gets 42 months in prison for stolen loaded handgun
Baltimore County officials say federal funding could cover up to 80% of the projected $30 million plan, with a 20% local match required. The county has offered to split that remaining local share.
However, Baltimore City has argued that its limited federal transportation funding is already committed to infrastructure within city limits and that spending city resources on the Warren Road Bridge would not be in the best interest of city residents. In a letter sent last week, Baltimore City offered the County two options — take ownership of the bridge, or risk seeing it shut down entirely.
Asked whether Baltimore County should simply take ownership, Buckler declined to take a position.
“I think that’s part of that bigger conversation,” Buckler said, “Those negotiations don’t typically happen in front of the camera.”
FOX45 News also requested an interview with Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works director, but the city declined.
ALSO READ | Maryland father, son charged in fentanyl ring after DEA investigation
FOX45 then sent questions asking whether the city has the legal authority to close the bridge, when such a closure could occur, and how much longer officials expect the bridge to remain usable. The city did not directly answer those questions. Instead, the Mayor’s Office sent the following statement:
As previously stated, the City’s Department of Transportation has evaluated the Warren Road Bridge and determined that it can continue to operate safely at this time. The City will continue to monitor the bridge and make decisions based on engineering assessments and established safety standards.
The City is aware of Baltimore County Public Schools’ decision to reroute school buses over the bridge out of an abundance of caution. That decision, which was made fully independent of the City of Baltimore’s input or influence, does not change the City’s current engineering assessment of the bridge’s safety for the traveling public in accordance with posted weight limits.
Discussions regarding the Warren Road Bridge remain ongoing. The City continues to work with Baltimore County toward a fair, regional funding and ownership solution that addresses the bridge’s long-term needs.
Local Story
