​MDOT SHA Partnered with Allegany County to Reopen MD 831C Bridge Today; New Span Enhances EMT Response and Access to MD 36

(August 27, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has completed the project to replace the bridge on MD 831C over Jennings Run in the Corriganville community of Allegany County, and opened the new span this morning. The $1 million project was the result of a partnership between MDOT SHA and Allegany County to replace the bridge, which closed in 2016 when it was determined the existing structure had reached the end of its useful life and was not salvageable.

MDOT SHA had initially planned to close the crossing due to low traffic volumes. During a public meeting with the community, however, local fire department officials voiced concern about the closure, since the MD 831C bridge had provided the quickest and most direct access to MD 36 for emergency responders and motorists. To address those concerns, MDOT SHA and the county reached an agreement for the state to replace the bridge with a prefabricated structure, with Allegany County taking ownership and maintenance of the new span.

“The project to replace the MD 831C bridge came about through a spirit of teamwork and support between MDOT SHA and our partners in Allegany County,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “We all share the goal of providing a safe and accessible transportation network for the community, and this project is a tangible example of that commitment.”

The project included bridge removal and replacement, stream stabilization around the bridge, roadway pavement milling and resurfacing, reconstruction and widening, erosion and sediment control measures, as well as signage, pavement markings and landscaping. Work was performed by Carl Belt Inc. of Cumberland and was completed more than two months earlier than projected. 

“Using a prefabricated bridge kept the cost down and allowed for a shorter project completion schedule,” said MDOT Administrator Tim Smith. “This allowed us to efficiently resolve community concerns in a fiscally responsible manner.”

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits and other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slow down in work zones.

Motorists can dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

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.