Project Set to Begin This Spring; Road Closure and Detour to Begin This Summer
(February 28, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will host a public open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in Carroll County to share information and answer project-related questions about the upcoming project to replace the MD 91 (Emory Road) bridges in Finksburg.
The project is scheduled to begin this spring, and will replace two bridges that carry MD 91 over the north branch of the Patapsco River and Maryland Midland Railroad tracks. The existing spans were built in 1967 and are nearing the end of their useful service lives.
Crews will replace the older spans with two new bridges, each with two 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders. To expedite the project, both bridges will be closed, and traffic will be detoured for about nine months starting this summer. During the detour, motorists traveling southbound will be directed to MD 91 (Emory Road), MD 30 (Hanover Pike) and MD 140 (Baltimore Boulevard). Northbound motorists will be directed to MD 140, MD 30 and MD 91 (see map). The project is expected to wrap up in spring 2024.
MD 91 detour
At the March 9 public open house, there will be no formal presentation. The public may stop by anytime to view maps and display boards and meet with project staff. Open house details are:
- Thursday, March 9, 2023
- 6 to 8 p.m.
- Carroll County Public Library (Finksburg Branch)
- 2265 Old Westminster Pike
- Finksburg, MD 21048
“MDOT SHA is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation for the community, and replacing these bridges is essential to maintain mobility for thousands of people who travel this area every day,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “We know the work on these bridges will affect the community and commuters, and we encourage the public to attend the open house to learn more about the project, its impacts and benefits, and how to stay informed.”
More details on the MD 91 Bridge Replacement Project can be found on the Project Portal Page
here. Information presented at the public open house will be available on the project page after the event.
Persons requiring assistance to participate in the public open house, such as those desiring an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, may send an email to SHATitleVI@MDOTmaryland.gov. Please indicate desired language in the subject line. The Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1. Any questions about the meetings or general inquiries can be directed to the email above.
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.
Maryland’s Move Over Law requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.