(December 7, 2018) – The Hogan administration announces the start of construction to replace the MD 273 (Telegraph Road) Bridge over Big Elk Creek in Elkton, Cecil County. The bridge, which was originally constructed in 1964, is safe for travel but has reached the end of its reliable service life. The $6.6 million project will be complete summer 2020.
“Our administration has made great progress upgrading infrastructure throughout the state, including on these long-overdue bridge projects,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This bridge replacement will provide a safe, reliable and efficient transportation network for all who live in and travel through Cecil County.”
The project includes complete replacement of the existing three-span structure with a single-span concrete beam bridge, paving, landscaping and reconstruction of two trails underneath the bridge in the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. The new bridge will feature wider shoulders for safety and shoulders will be widened on both approaches to the new bridge.
To maintain traffic flow during construction, MDOT SHA will install temporary signals at the bridge to alternate motorists through the work zone using a single lane. Working behind concrete barrier, crews will construct one half of the new bridge then shift traffic onto the new section for construction of the second half. The single lane/temporary signal configuration will remain in place until the new bridge is complete. Motorists are urged to plan ahead and allow a few extra minutes for travel through this area beginning in December and continuing through summer 2020.
MDOT SHA awarded the construction contract to Allan Myers of Fallston. On average, more than 8,000 vehicles travel this portion of MD 273 each day.
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.
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