​(April 9, 2020) -- The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is starting work this week to restore and preserve the Old York Road Bridge over Little Falls in Parkton, Baltimore County.​

“This stone structure is believed to be the oldest bridge in Maryland’s road system, so it’s an honor to preserve and restore such a vital piece of history,” said MDOT SHA Acting Administrator Tim Smith. “We are excited to make the Old York Road Bridge an asset for future generations.”

The stone arch bridge be closed indefinitely on Friday, April 10. As an interim measure, temporary holding actions will be installed to preserve the integrity of the structure.

The bridge, located just south of the intersection of Old York Road and Hyde Road, was built in 1809. While the roadway between MD 45 (York Road) and the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail​ (also known as the NCRR Trail) is now operated by Baltimore County Department of Public Works, the historic bridge is still owned by MDOT SHA.

MDOT SHA is working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Baltimore County Department of Public Works to provide 24-hour vehicular traffic access for the two private residences located between the bridge and the rail trail. All vehicular traffic to DNR’s Parkton Station rail trail parking lot will be relocated to the southern parking lot entrance off Old York Road/Frederick Road. MDOT SHA and DNR will post bridge detour signs and trail advisory signs for trail users.

Editor’s note: MDOT SHA has a record amount of highway construction projects underway across the state to reduce congestion and improve safety.  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.