Maryland's director of bridges, Earle Jock Freedman, took that challenge to heart ("There's a bridge where you say, 'Who's going to look at it? Everybody.'"). He brought the state's governor to the site, where they decided on a higher structure, but with concessions such as a scenic overlook with benches by the riverbank, and with an intensive public-input campaign, including meetings and talks at local clubs and churches.
Maryland's bridge manager, Earle Jock Freedman, took the challenge seriously ("There's a bridge where you question who will be accountable for its upkeep."). He brought the state's governor to the site, where they decided on a more substantial structure, but with compromises such as a scenic area with benches alongside the riverbank, and with an extensive public-participation campaign, including meetings and discussions at local organizations and houses of worship.