Traffic Detour in Place While Crews Address MD 198 Bridge Washout

​(January 3, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has temporarily closed the MD 198 (Laurel Fort Meade Road) bridge over the Little Patuxent River​ near Fort Meade. Crews are presently on-site assessing the damage. The State Highway Administration will then develop a repair plan for the structure and roadway. The bridge closure is expected to last up to two weeks, weather permitting.  

Traffic will be directed to MD 32 (Patuxent Freeway) and MD 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway) and back to MD 198 until repairs are complete. Portable variable message signs and barrels will guide drivers along the detour route. The washout is attributed to logjam debris.  

Customers who have questions about this work may contact the State Highway Administration District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603.  

The State Highway Administration appreciates our customers’ patience with lane closures while we complete this necessary work to maintain and improve the transportation system. Drivers are asked to slow down in the work zone for the safety of all drivers and the crews working to improve our roadways. ​