COCKEYSVILLE, Md. —
Baltimore City and Baltimore county officials are at odds over the ownership and funding of the Warren Road Bridge, with letters exchanged between the two governments highlighting the dispute and raising concerns about the bridge’s future.
Baltimore City's Department of Public Works stated that without viable funding and ownership solution, the city will need to begin planning for the safe closure and decommissioning of the bridge.
Residents who regularly use the bridge expressed frustration over the latest development.
"I just don't like it. I'd rather that they come to some kind of agreement and do something with the bridge. It's been there forever," said Randy, a Baltimore County resident.
"I'd say it's used quite a bit. I use it almost once a day. And for it to close, be terrible. It's terrible," said Dennis, another Baltimore County resident.
The Warren Road Bridge, owned and maintained by Baltimore City, has been closed for repairs in 2016, 2019, and 2023.
A recent inspection found corroded support beams deteriorating faster than expected.
City officials maintain the bridge is safe to cross and subject to routine inspections.
Baltimore County officials, in a letter to the city, stated that although the design phase of the bridge is complete, the city did not apply for a federal grant that would have covered 80% of the estimated $30 million cost.
The county agreed to cover 10% of the required local matching funds.
In response, Baltimore City officials wrote, "Federal funds were not used during the design phase. As such, this project would have to revert to the design phase to ensure that Federal standards are met."
| FULL LETTER: Read the city's response to DPWT
Baltimore City’s DPW also noted that historically, replacements and upgrades to bridges owned by the city in the Loch Raven Watershed have been jointly funded.
"The federal funding the city receives is not nearly enough to cover its own needs. All of the City's federal funding has been programmed," Baltimore city officials wrote. "The City believes it would not be in the best interest of its residents for its limited federal funding to be used to fund construction of a new bridge that neither serves City Residents nor operationally benefits the City owned water system."
Video below: Delegate criticizes Baltimore City over Warren Road Bridge funding delay (Aug. 6)
Residents like Mindy, a Baltimore County resident, voiced their concerns about the situation.
"It sounds pretty ridiculous. That's all I can say. You know, they got to come up with a plan," Mindy said.
Both city and county officials stated they are open to discussing ownership of the bridge and other assets in the Loch Raven Reservoir.
Baltimore County officials confirmed they have received the city's letter and will evaluate options moving forward.