Inner Harbor Crossing 2.1

     The Inner Harbor Crossing as proposed in the 2.0 plan and an earlier Greater Baltimore Committee proposal has been praised by many who wish to see a continuous walking circuit from the Inner Harbor promenade, but opposed by others for its high cost, a potential delay in maritime travel through the harbor and visual disruption.  This 2.1 plan explores a modified option for a bicycle/pedestrian bridge at the Inner Harbor, not only to create a continuous circuit along the promenade, but to serve as a flood gate and a potential Inner Harbor attraction.

     Nothing in the Inner Harbor 2.0 plan discusses the impact on the Inner Harbor from flooding and the projected rise of sea level. A 2013 study states, “It is prudent to plan for relative sea-level rise of 2.1 feet by 2050.”  

http://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/SeaLevelRiseProjections.pdf

     One method to combat this sea level increase is to build a flood gate near the Inner Harbor.  If the proposed Inner Harbor Crossing could serve as both a flood gate, as well as a pedestrian/bicycle bridge, the expense may be justified.

     In order for the crossing to serve these dual purposes, plus allow for maritime traffic to the Inner Harbor, the design of the crossing needs to be modified from the proposal in the 2.0 plan.  First the crossing is shifted to Pier 6 and the Jones Falls.  The flood gate could prevent flooding both from a general sea level increase as was the case in the Isabel Storm of 2003, as well as increase run off from the Jones Falls.  The design of the crossing would be much closer to the current height of the promenade, since the deck of the crossing would house apparatus for a movable flood barrier. The barrier could be lowered from bridge deck to the harbor floor to seal off the Inner Harbor from flooding.

 

     The projected bridge/flood gate would be approximately 750 feet in length.  A central bascule portion that could open for maritime traffic would be 200 feet wide, with 275 foot approaches from the south and north.  From the current promenade height the crossing would rise at a grade of 1 foot per 10 feet of length providing a height of 27.5 feet above the current promenade height at the central draw bridge section.  This would allow for many boats including waterfront taxies and the promenade shuttle to travel under the bridge without opening the draw bridge section. 

    Two towers buttressing the draw bridge would also support an upper level bridge 190 feet above sea level (the same height as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Francis Scott Key Bridge) to allow pedestrian traffic to continue at the upper bridge even when the main deck is opened for maritime traffic.  The proposed crossing would be similar to the Tower Bridge of London although it would feature a modern, not Victorian design.  The upper bridge would be accessible via elevators and stairs.  It would have amazing views of the Baltimore Harbor attracting many visitors.  The towers would be lit up at night with a regular colored light and laser show providing another Inner Harbor attraction to be viewed from the promenade.

 

     If the proposed harbor crossing and flood gate proves to be too expensive or non-feasible, a regular promenade shuttle would complete the promenade circuit.  A virtual “bridge” in the same vicinity could also be created with a water fountain display creating an archway at the Inner Harbor.  Powerful jets can shoot water hundreds of feet into the air from each side of the harbor.  A water/light display could be an alternative attraction to the physical bridge similar to the amazing water fountains WET Design has created at Dubai and other places in the world.