Preserving Bridge Decks near Hagerstown with Cost-Effective Techniques and Rehabilitation will Extend the Bridges’ Service Life
(February 20, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin construction this week on a $8.9 million bridge deck improvement for the
US 40 (National Pike) bridges over I-70 near Hagerstown, Washington County. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2025, weather permitting.
A traffic barrier will be installed to close one lane in each direction on the US 40 bridges so the work can be accomplished safely. Crews will apply a bridge deck epoxy overlay which will extend the service life of the bridges’ driving surfaces. To ensure proper adhesion of the epoxy, the process involves removing sections of the existing bridge decks and performing the work behind the barrier walls.
Other rehabilitation work includes:
- replacing various parts of the bridges, including concrete overlays, parapets and curbs;
- installing new concrete barriers, overhangs, end posts, slabs and check walls;
- replacing sections of traffic barriers, expansion joints, drainage troughs and downspouts;
- milling and overlaying the asphalt pavement;
- replacing elastomeric bearings with steel bearings;
- installing a new fence and ground mounted signs; and
- cleaning and painting both bridges and applying sealant to the bridge decks.
Barrier installation will necessitate a closure and detour of US 40 at I-70. The detour will direct motorists to MD 65 (South Potomac Street) and MD 66 (Mapleville Road) to return to either eastbound or westbound US 40. Additionally, crews will close one lane direction of I-70 at US 40 to install bridge containment.
Lane and shoulder closures also will be in effect on I-70 at US 40 during off-peak daytime hours Mondays through Fridays, as well as some intermittent overnight closures Sundays through Thursdays, weather permitting.
Bridge deck work will generally take place behind the concrete barrier and will not necessitate a total closure on US 40. When necessary, crews may temporarily close both directions of the bridge and detour traffic during overnight hours.
The maintenance of Maryland’s bridges is essential for the smooth flow of traffic and safety of all our users. The State Highway Administration is dedicated to making significant investments statewide into bridge safety and maintaining a state of good repair.
US 40 (National Pike) bridges over I-70 in Washington County (SHA photo)
Contractor Triton Construction Inc., of St. Albans, W.Va., will use detour signs, cones and barrels to safely guide motorists through the work zone.
The State Highway Administration appreciates the public’s patience while this work is performed. Drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits as well as driving pattern changes, and slow down in construction zones.
Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.