​(April 28, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) today opened the new $18 million MD 254 (Cobb Island Rd) Bridge over Neale Sound.

“Marylanders should be proud of our structures and our overall bridge program as we have one of the best in the nation,” said MDOT SHA Acting Administrator Tim Smith. “This new bridge at Cobb Island is beautiful like the Maryland scenery around it. This structure will be safe for generations to come, as well as pedestrian-friendly.”

The new MD 254 Bridge was funded through the Investment in Highways and Bridges Act, a nearly $2 billion initiative announced by the Hogan Administration in 2015 to address priority projects across Maryland. The bridge had been one of 69 bridges along the state-maintained system identified as structurally deficient.

The original Neale Sound Bridge was built in 1963 and is the only roadway connection to the mainland of southern Charles County for Cobb Island – a 290-acre island surrounded by the Wicomico River, Potomac River and Neale Sound waterways.

Contractor crews shifted traffic onto the new two-lane bridge that now provides wider travel lanes, sidewalk and pedestrian lighting. Remaining work includes paving, guardrail installation, curb and gutter, and demolition of the old structure.

The sidewalk will remain closed while this work is underway.

Drivers are reminded to remain alert for work crews who are continuing work in the area. The project was constructed by McClean Contracting Company and will be complete in fall 2020 when the old structure is demolished.

This project has been ongoing during Maryland’s COVID-19 State of Emergency. Work on this and other essential transportation projects across Maryland has continued, with MDOT SHA crews and contractors adhering to state and federal health and safety guidelines.

For more information, see the information here.