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Span Of Md. Bridge Getting Fresh Coat Of Paint

STEVENSVILLE, Md. (AP) -- The westbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is getting a makeover.

A $19.5 million project is under way to repaint the bridge in its signature shade of gray. Maryland Transportation Authority spokeswoman Teri Moss says most of the work is scheduled to be performed form the water to minimize the effect on traffic.

This is the first complete repainting of the bridge span since it opened in 1963. The first phase of the project includes cleaning and painting the bridge's girders to bolster its structural integrity. The second phase involves cleaning and painting its suspension spans and towers.

Moss says there are other preservation and maintenance tasks that could cause lanes on the bridge to close.

The project is scheduled to be competed in fall 2012.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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