Maryland Transportation Authority’s $42 million bridge preservation project minimizes traffic delays and maintenance costs after installing the first full-length cable dehumidification system in North America, which pumps dry air through the main suspension cables of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridges. MDTA officials use web-based technology to monitor the bridges and control the system remotely to maximize efficiency and performance, and minimize restrictions related to maintenance activities. The bridges connect the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area with Ocean City and support regional freight, commerce and tourism in the region.

A ship makes its way south after passing beneath the Bay Bridge and the ice on the Chesapeake Bay. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)