(September 28, 2010) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will open the new $5 million bridge on MD 36 (Lower George’s Creek Road) over Georges Creek in Lonaconing, Allegany County.  SHA will begin shifting traffic to the new bridge Wednesday afternoon, weather permitting. 

 

Once traffic has been shifted to the new bridge, crews will complete the remaining tie-ins to the new bridge and adjacent roads along realigned MD 36.  To facilitate the tie-in construction, only one lane of traffic will be permitted on the bridge through late Friday evening.  Flag persons will alternate bridge traffic 24 hours per day until tie-in connections are completed.

 

Although SHA is opening the new bridge to traffic, work will continue on the project through November.  Remaining work includes demolishing the existing bridge and completing construction of a retaining wall. 

 

As part of the bridge replacement project, SHA realigned MD 36 to eliminate a sharp curve south of the bridge approach.  SHA constructed the new bridge east of the existing MD 36 bridge.  The new alignment will improve safety and sight distance for nearly 6,500 motorists who travel the route each day.  The original bridge was built in 1927.

 

SHA awarded the contract to Carl Belt, Inc. of Cumberland.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Customers who have questions about traffic operations on MD 36 or other state numbered routes in Allegany County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office toll free at 1-800-760-7138. 

 

Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

 

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