New, Wider Bridge Includes Features to Help Reduce Flooding
(August 3, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has completed the $20.1 million bridge-replacement project on MD 355 to improve safety and access over Bennett Creek in the Urbana area of Frederick County. The project, part of Governor Larry Hogan's $1.97 billion investment in roads and bridges announced in 2015, included the removal of the previous bridge that was built in 1924. Construction on the new bridge began in 2019 and will be open to motorists this week.
“MD 355 is a critical link in Maryland’s economy, and plays a vital role for Frederick County residents every day,” said Governor Hogan. “This new span will ensure safe, efficient and reliable access for generations to come.”
“Replacement of the MD 355 bridge is part of MDOT’s overall commitment to safe, modern roadways and bridges statewide,” said MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. “We appreciate the collaboration with our partners in Frederick County to deliver a project that serves local residents, businesses and the regional economy.”
The project included climate change adaptation improvements to reduce potential future flooding in the area. The new bridge stands 3 feet higher than the previous structure to allow more water from Bennett Creek to flow underneath.
“MDOT SHA is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “This project stabilized 2,300 feet of Bennett Creek and realigned the channel to help prevent future erosion and flooding.”
During construction, MDOT SHA provided a temporary roadway along MD 355 to maintain traffic flow. Removal of the temporary roadway is underway. MDOT SHA contractor, Concrete General Inc., of Gaithersburg, performed the work. Learn more about the project here.
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, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.
Motorists in need may 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.