Toll authority to add bridge cameras
The Maryland Transportation Authority plans to upgrade its electronic security camera system on five large bridges at a cost of $5-10 million, according to a state web site.
The toll authority is now in the process of taking bids on the contract to supply the camera system, installation of whhich is expected to begin next year. Cheryl Sparks, an authority spokeswoman, said the system is designed to be an "enhancement" of the agency's current surveillance system.
The system would be installed at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the Millard E. Tydings Bridge (Interstate 95 over the Susquehanna River), the Thomas J. Hatem Bridge (U.S. 40 over the Susquehanna) and the Harry W. Nice Bridge (U.S. 301 over the Potomac River).
Sparks said she could not discuss many details of the system for security reasons. She said the system would be used for anti-terrorism, vandalism prevention and traffic management purposes but not for traffic law enforcement. She said that as part of the project, the state is consolidating its control center for the security camera systems -- now divided among three offices -- at a single facility in Baltimore.
The window for bids to be received will close Oct. 29.
