(June 26, 2012) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) is today closing the MD 313/318 (Federalsburg Highway) bridge over Marshyhope Creek in Federalsburg, Caroline County, to all traffic for up to four months.

SHA closed one lane of the two-lane bridge this spring as crews began replacing one half of the bridge deck (riding surface).  The contractor installed a temporary traffic signal to alternate traffic across the bridge using a single lane.  Over the past week, the riding surface has deteriorated to the extent the single open lane must be closed as work continues on the closed lane of travel.  The closure and detour are expected to continue through mid-October, weather permitting.

“Motorists safety is our top priority and we took this step today out of an abundance of caution,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “SHA and the contractor will work quickly to open the bridge, which serves the town of Federalsburg and approximately 3,300 motorists each day.  Since the project involves pouring concrete, then allowing it to cure and gain its required strength, there may be times when no works appears to be occurring.  However, this is a crucial step in the process as we work toward opening a lane of traffic by early to mid-fall.”

By mid-October, one of the two lanes on the bridge will again carry vehicles, again allowing the temporary traffic signal to alternate traffic.  The entire bridge deck replacement project is scheduled to be complete early spring 2013, weather permitting.

Non-commercial passenger vehicles will use one of several alternative routes through the Town of Federalsburg.  However, because of narrow streets and tight 90-degree turns within the town, large vehicles and tractor-trailers will be detoured to the town of Hurlock and return to Federalsburg.

Tractor trailers and other large vehicles traveling westbound on MD 318 (Bridgeville Road) will be directed south on to the Reliance Road portion of MD 313, then continue on the Eldorado Road section of MD 313.  The detour will then direct traffic westbound on MD 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) to the Town of Hurlock.  Motorists will then turn eastbound on MD 307 (Williamsburg Road) and will travel east on MD 307 until reaching a roundabout immediately west of Federalsburg, where they can turn either north or south on to MD 313 (Federalsburg Highway).

The bridge was constructed in 1960 and the new deck replacement will add up to 40 years of life to the bridge.  In addition to the new bridge deck, the entire bridge will be painted and new concrete deck curb and railings will be installed.  SHA awarded the $2.9 million project to JJID, Inc of Bear, Delaware.

 

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