Building Bridges and Reefs: Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge’s Environmental Legacy in the Potomac River

The old Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge stood as both a testament to the past and a source of frustration for commuters. Since the late 2000s, the bridge earned notoriety for experiencing substantial traffic congestion, made worse by its design and the surge in traffic from southern Maryland—particularly during holidays and weekends. With narrow lanes, a steep incline and a reduced speed limit, vehicles crossing the bridge faced challenges, slowing down and merging in a way that often led to backups.

Recognizing the need for improvement, the Maryland Transportation Authority initiated the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge Improvement Project in June 2006. This project aimed to address the persistent traffic issues either by widening the bridge or replacing it altogether. This pivotal decision to replace the narrow and congested structure with a wider and more user-friendly bridge not only transformed the region’s transportation landscape but also set the stage for an exciting part of its evolution, utilizing materials from the old bridge to create an artificial reef. This initiative contributes to the ecological health of the Potomac River and emphasizes the project’s steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In late 2022, the unveiling of the new four-lane Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge marked a significant milestone in transportation infrastructure for Maryland and Virginia. This project, spearheaded by a Skanska-led joint venture with its partners Corman and McLean, not only enhances mobility and safety but also exemplifies a commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability in the Potomac River region. The innovative repurposing of materials from the old bridge, recycling tons of steel and concrete and using much of this material to create an artificial reef site, are a testament to their environmental commitment. This reef will serve as the foundation for sanctuaries, fostering marine habitats and contributing to the ecological health of the Potomac River.

Taking down the old to make way for the new, a photo captures the demolition of the old Nice-Middleton Bridge. (Skanska)

The new Nice-Middleton Bridge provides a new path forward. (Skanska)

Repurposing the Past

The state of Maryland and the Skanska-Corman-McLean joint venture—together with AECOM and United Demolition—demonstrated a dedication to sustainable practices and ecosystem preservation. The standout feature of this project lies in the creative repurposing of materials from the 80-year-old bridge.

Approximately 9,500 tons of concrete from the old bridge were carefully demolished and repurposed to create an artificial reef site. This innovative approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the project but also serves as a model for responsible construction practices. The reef, strategically designed to enhance marine habitats, will provide shelter for various species, including striped bass, bluefish and oysters.

Environmental Restoration and Collaboration

The collaboration between the state of Maryland and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission further emphasizes the project’s commitment to sustainability. Nearly 12 million live oysters are being planted, each capable of filtering approximately 50 gallons of water per day. This sustainable initiative promotes cleaner water and supports a thriving marine ecosystem.

As the remnants of the old Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge find new purpose beneath the waters of the Potomac River, the team’s initiative to create an artificial reef holds significant promise for enhancing the ecological health of this vital waterway and beyond.

Oyster reefs, much like the one envisioned by this project, play a crucial role in nurturing marine life and fostering a thriving ecosystem. Oysters, in their larval stage, seek refuge by settling and attaching to solid surfaces. Similarly, the concrete structures of the artificial reef provide an ideal substrate for oysters to grow, creating a habitat that extends beyond the oysters themselves.

The benefits of oyster reefs are far-reaching, with the potential to positively impact the Potomac River’s biodiversity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these reefs act as magnets for a diverse group of marine species, offering shelter and sustenance. Mussels, barnacles, sea anemones and various commercially valuable fish find a haven in the crevices and structures of the reef. Forage fish, invertebrates and shellfish also thrive in this habitat, creating a safe environment for species such as blue crabs, croaker, flounder and striped bass.

This new artificial reef becomes a vital player in the intricate dance of nature, mimicking the functions of natural oyster reefs that have faced significant declines. Ongoing threats to oyster populations—such as pollution, habitat loss and overfishing—have emphasized the urgent need for deliberate efforts to protect and restore these essential ecosystems. The reef represents a positive step in taking on these challenges by providing a sanctuary for marine life and contributing to the restoration of habitats that have degraded.

The reef’s significance extends beyond its role as a habitat for various species. Oysters, renowned for their ability to filter water, act as natural purifiers. The artificial reef, with its large oyster population, becomes a dynamic filtration system, improving water quality in the Potomac River. Oysters filter algae from the water, helping to reduce nutrient overload and contributing to clearer, cleaner waters that support underwater grasses and other aquatic life.

In regions where oyster reefs have been strategically placed, they have been known to provide protection against the impacts of storms and tides. This new reef, strategically positioned in the Potomac River, can play a role in protecting underwater vegetation and waterfront communities from the effects of waves, floods and tides. The reefs can offer protection against wave action, erosion and fortifying wetlands as a protective barrier.

The artificial reef not only aligns with the principles of environmental restoration but also underscores Skanska’s commitment to sustainable construction practices. By transforming the remnants of the old bridge into a haven for marine life, this initiative demonstrates the potential for construction projects to contribute positively to the environment.

This approach to environmental restoration showcases the project’s dedication to balancing infrastructure development with ecological responsibility. It also serves as a testament to the importance of collaboration among government entities, construction companies and environmental organizations in achieving sustainable outcomes.

The new Nice-Middleton Bridge stretches across the Potomac.

Demolition and Repurposing

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Nice-Middleton Bridge project is its creative approach to bridge demolition and material repurposing. The team executed a careful and controlled demolition process, combining mechanical and controlled blast demolition techniques, including the following:

• Concrete roadway deck sections were sawcut into and lifted off in sections.

• The large steel truss sections were demolished by placing small explosive charges at strategic locations that, when detonated, caused the trusses to fall into the water in the largest sections possible. Following this, the truss sections were lifted out of the water by a crane and deposited on land where they were cut into small pieces and sent to a recycling facility. This method of demolition minimized the impact to the marine environment.

• In coordination with Maryland state environmental agencies, the team then developed a plan to “rubbilize” the large foundations using explosives. Once rubbilized, the debris were removed from the water using a crane-mounted clamshell bucket. This prevented months of underwater hammering that would have been more damaging to surrounding aquatic life.

This approach mirrors the success of the former Woodrow Wilson Bridge project in 2006, in which concrete materials were recycled to create fish reefs in the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. The Nice-Middleton Bridge project builds upon this legacy, setting new standards for sustainable construction practices.

A Bridge to a Sustainable Future

The new Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge stands as a symbol of innovative engineering and sustainability. With four 12-foot-wide lanes, it addresses traffic congestion, contributing to reduced greenhouse-gas emissions. Safety enhancements, such as a barrier-separated median and all-electronic tolling, ensure a safer commute for all.

The bridge’s 135-foot clearance accommodates tall ships, supporting the maritime industry and regional commerce. Beyond its infrastructural impact, the project generated more than 500 local job opportunities, providing economic benefits to the region. Designed for a remarkable 100-year service life, the bridge reflects our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of sustainable infrastructure.

Environmental Leadership

The Nice-Middleton Bridge project exemplifies an important and lasting commitment to pushing the boundaries of environmentally responsible construction. By recycling 100 percent of the steel from the old bridge, the team and state of Maryland have demonstrated a comprehensive approach to minimizing environmental impact, serving as a model for future infrastructure projects.

The project not only connects communities and improves transportation but also sets a benchmark for environmental restoration and sustainability. The repurposed materials now will foster marine habitats through creation of an artificial reef, establishing a blueprint for responsible construction practices.