MD 272 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT TO RESUME SPRING 2017

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

SHA to Advertise Project in December; Completion Expected Fall 2018

(September 30, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has some good news for residents of North East, Cecil County.  After project issues stopped construction earlier this year, SHA has a new plan to resume construction of the MD 272 (Mauldin Avenue) Bridge over Amtrak.  SHA will re-advertise the project in December with construction starting spring 2017.  Crews will maintain traffic across the existing bridge during construction.

The scope of the project remains unchanged – SHA’s contractor will build the new MD 272 Bridge adjacent to the existing bridge.  The new bridge will feature five-foot wide shoulders and ADA-compliant sidewalks.  Work also includes two retaining walls, stormwater improvements, lighting, and construction of a left turn on southbound MD 272 at North Main Street/Russell Street, and new ADA-compliant sidewalks along MD 272 between Russell Street and the North East Station shopping center.

“SHA appreciates the support and patience of motorists, residents and elected officials as we worked through issues to assure we build a quality project and a new structure that will last decades into the future,” said District Engineer Greg Holsey.  “We’re eager to move this project forward and open the bridge to traffic in fall 2018.”

SHA began construction of the bridge last year and stopped work early 2016.  SHA recently reached a settlement agreement with the contractor to terminate the contract for convenience.  Originally constructed in 1954, the existing bridge has no shoulders and non-ADA compliant sidewalks.  About 13,000 vehicles cross the MD 272 Bridge each day.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

An updated listing of current roadway projects can be found by clicking on e-Road Ready 2016. Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures.

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