Maryland is taking emergency measures to alleviate extensive congestion resulting from deck replacement work on the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, which carries U.S. Routes 50 and 301 across the Chesapeake Bay. Begun in late September, the two-year, $27-million replacement of a deteriorated lane on the toll bridge’s 4.3-mile westbound span has caused peak travel time backups on both sides of up to 14 miles, according to media reports. In addition to removing toll barriers, the state is working with contractor Wagman Heavy Civil to explore the use of alternate milling methods and overlay materials, establishing multiple work zones and other measures to accelerate the project.