Temporary Parallel Bridge Will Enable Crews to Work with Minimal Impacts to Existing Traffic

(September 22, 2017) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is replacing the 87-year-old MD 355 (Urbana Pike) Bridge over the CSX tracks within the historic Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick County. Preliminary work is underway on the $8.2 million project and it will be complete summer 2019.

 

To minimize impacts to drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, MDOT SHA is installing a temporary bridge, which also will maintain continuous access to the battlefield. Installing the temporary bridge will be the first phase of the project.

 

“We are making tremendous progress in fixing all 69 structurally deficient bridges across the state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our administration is using innovative concepts to restore our bridges while having a minimal impact on our citizens’ daily lives.” 

 

Forty-one of the structures have been rehabilitated, replaced, or are currently under construction. The remaining 28 bridges are in various stages of design and are actively moving toward construction or repair.

In addition to replacing the bridge, MDOT SHA is installing an eight-foot sidewalk on the east side of the structure, as well as bicycle compatible shoulders. Crews also will install pedestrian trails on both sides of the CSX tracks to enhance access to the Monocacy National Battlefield.

 

The cost to rent and assemble the temporary bridge is $600,000, which is offset by the ability to keep MD 355 on its original alignment during construction and reduces the need for additional drainage systems and tree removal. Additionally, the temporary bridge allows crews to work without traffic immediately adjacent to the work area, enhancing safety for workers and drivers.

MDOT SHA’s contractor, C. William Hetzer Inc. of Hagerstown, will shift traffic from the existing bridge onto the temporary bridge. All travel lanes will be maintained during construction. More than 11,000 vehicles use this portion of MD 355 each day.

 

 

 

(MDOT SHA PHOTO: MD 355 Bridge over the CSX Railroad in Frederick County.)

The e-Road Ready 2017 electronic construction brochure is now available by clicking here. The e-brochure highlights major road construction and maintenance projects in the State.

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. Maryland drivers can also know before they go by visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including delays and lane closures.