Project Addresses More Structurally Deficient Bridges

(October 26, 2018) – The Hogan Administration announces the start of construction to replace three bridges in Frederick County. The three projects totaling $22 million are part of Governor Larry Hogan’s promise to address the 69 structurally deficient bridges that were identified in 2015. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will replace the MD 355 (Urbana Pike) Bridge over Bennett Creek, the MD 478 (Knoxville Road) Bridge over a branch of the Potomac River and the MD 464 (Point of Rocks Road) Bridge over Little Catoctin Creek.

“Since taking office, our administration has been committed to delivering transformative transportation solutions to Marylanders all across the state,” said Governor Hogan. “These bridge projects will have a critical impact on our state’s economy and provide a more efficient commute for the citizens of Frederick County.”  

The bridges are safe for travel but have reached the end of their reliable service life. MDOT SHA’s contractor, Concrete General Inc. of Gaithersburg, will complete all three projects.

In Urbana, MDOT SHA will replace the MD 355 (Urbana Pike) Bridge over Bennett Creek, which was originally constructed in 1924. The new $13.2 million bridge will be more than three feet higher to enable greater water flow underneath, which will reduce the frequency of flooding. The new bridge will be located approximately 150 feet north of the existing structure. In addition to the bridge replacement, MDOT SHA will stabilize 2,300 feet of Bennett Creek to prevent erosion and reduce roadway flooding.

MDOT SHA will begin constructing a temporary roadway in November and shift traffic upon its completion. This is necessary to reduce impacts to drivers during construction, as well as provide an area where crews can restore Bennett Creek. There may be occasional single, off-peak lane closures as material and equipment is delivered. The bridge has an average daily traffic of 8,500 and work will be complete late-fall 2020.

 

(MDOT SHA photo: The MD 355 (Urbana Bridge over Bennett Creek will be replaced with a higher and wider bridge.)

 

MDOT SHA will replace the MD 478 (Knoxville Road) Bridge over a branch of the Potomac River in Brunswick. The $4.8 million project will be complete spring 2020. Preliminary work began this fall with occasional off-peak single lane closures.

To expedite the bridge replacement project, MDOT SHA will close and detour MD 478 in early 2019 through mid-fall 2019 when the new bridge will open. Local traffic will have access up to the point of the bridge closure. Through motorists will be detoured to MD 17 (Petersville Road/Burkittsville Road) to MD 180 (Jefferson Pike) and back to MD 478. Motorists may also choose US 340 as an alternate route. Approximately 3,500 vehicles use this bridge each day.

(MDOT SHA photo: Built in 1925, the nearly 100-year-old MD 478 (Knoxville Road) Bridge over a branch of the Potomac River will be replaced.)

In Brunswick, MDOT SHA will replace the MD 464 (Point of Rocks Road) Bridge over the Little Catoctin River. The $4 million project includes a wider bridge to include bicycle compatible shoulders, as well as stabilizing a section of Little Catoctin Creek. Preliminary work will begin mid-November. Beginning July 2019, MDOT SHA will close and detour MD 464 until December 2019.

Motorists will be guided around the bridge project using Olive School Road to MD 180 (Jefferson Pike) to MD 17 (Petersville Road). Due to increased traffic as a result of the closure, MDOT SHA will install a temporary traffic signal at the Olive School Road/MD 180 intersection until the end of the project.

(MDOT SHA photo: Built in 1933, the MD 464 (Point of Rocks Road) Bridge over Little Catoctin Creek will be replaced.)

While MDOT 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. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, click on Road Ready, MDOT SHA's electronic construction brochure. For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto www.md511.org.