(June 3, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has completed the MD 273 (Telegraph Road) bridge replacement over Big Elk Creek near Fair Hill, Cecil County. The two-year, $9.5 million project included construction of a new two-lane bridge with wide shoulders for safety, drainage and water quality improvements and reconstruction of two park trail segments. The new bridge stretches 140 feet across a popular hiker/biker/equestrian trail in the 5,600-acre Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
“Even through the COVID-19 emergency, Maryland has continued to make progress in addressing infrastructure needs, and the bridge over Big Elk Creek is an excellent example,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “This bridge is a vital commuter and public safety connection for northeastern Cecil County and our neighbors in Pennsylvania and Delaware, and the new span will also support the agriculture and tourism economies.”
Originally constructed in 1964, the previous three-section bridge had reached the end of its useful service life. The new bridge is a single-span design – no center supports are needed. This dramatically improves views and access along Big Elk Creek while minimizing the project’s environmental impact during construction. MDOT SHA constructed the new bridge in stages, using temporary signals to maintain traffic flow.
“This new bridge, along with recently constructed roundabouts at Appleton Road and Blue Ball Road, represent MDOT SHA’s commitment to improve safety and access for motorists, pedestrians, bikers and all users of our transportation network,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “The new bridge will accommodate commuters and local traffic, and the reconstructed trails will serve residents and visitors to Cecil County as they enjoy this beautiful part of our state.”
“This was a challenging project, requiring tremendous coordination and cooperation among design and construction staff, motorists, park users, local agencies and officials and the Department of Natural Resources staff who maintain the beautiful Fair Hill park grounds,” added MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “We thank everyone for their efforts and patience.”
The new bridge over Big Elk Creek is among the many important projects undertaken by MDOT SHA during the COVID-19 State of Emergency while maintaining a focus on the safety and health of our crews and the general public. Allan Myers Inc. of Fallston was MDOT SHA’s contractor for the project. Learn more HERE.
MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews and our customers. MDOT SHA is asking drivers to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits and other driving pattern changes in all work zones. Slow down and stay alert to help ensure our team gets home safely to their families.
For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to
Project Portal. Visit our homepage at
roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to
md511.maryland.gov.
Editor’s Note
From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders. MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.