Local Traffic to be Detoured Through Early October           
          
(August 20, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is continuing the $2 million bridge replacement project along MD 28 (Tuscarora Road) over Washington Run in Point of Rocks. The bridge, built in 1932, near the Point of Rocks Industrial Park in Frederick County, was closed to traffic on Tuesday, June 17. SHA anticipates completing the bridge replacement in early October, approximately five weeks later than originally planned.          
          
The delay in completing the project was necessitated by a discovery during construction. As part of SHA’s evaluation of the rock sub-foundation, which provides support for the bridge abutment walls, crews found that the underground rock was not adequate to support the engineering of the new bridge. The drilling required to identify the necessary depths resulted in additional time and work to the project. This delay means that the project will not be complete prior to the start of the school year.           
          
“It was our goal to have the roadway open by the end of August,” said SHA District Engineer Dave Coyne. “Our proactive measures have caused additional work time which we realize is an inconvenience. We ask the residents and commuters in Frederick County for their patience as we move toward a safe completion of the MD 28 Bridge over Washington Run.”          
          
SHA will continue to detour traffic through early October. Signs have been placed in advance of the bridge in both directions to alert motorists of the closure and detour route. The detour is approximately seven and one-half miles and requires the continued closure of MD 28 between Rock Hall Road and Pleasant View Road. More than 6,000 vehicles travel along this section of MD 28 each day.          
          
SHA regrets the additional closure time for the bridge. Brunswick MARC station users are encouraged to use US 15 to access the station. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 28, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
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