MD 91 sign
Replacement of Two Bridges, Road Closure and Detour to Begin This Summer
(August 7, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning a $12.2 million project this week that will replace the bridge over the north branch of the Patapsco River and the bridge over the Maryland Midland Railroad tracks on MD 91 (Emory Road) in Finksburg, Carroll County.
While safe for current use, the existing spans were built in 1967 and are nearing the end of their useful service lives. State Highway Administration crews will replace the older spans with two new bridges, each with two 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders. Starting this week, crews are performing work to prepare for the project, and some intermittent flagging operations may be in place.
To expedite the project, both bridges will be closed starting on or about September 21. During the closure, traffic will be detoured for about nine months along the following route (see map):
- Motorists traveling southbound will be detoured to MD 91 (Emory Road), MD 30 (Hanover Pike) and MD 140 (Baltimore Boulevard).
- Motorists traveling northbound will be directed to MD 140, MD 30 and MD 91.
MD 91 bridges and detours, Carroll County
“We understand temporarily closing MD 91 will be an inconvenience to residents and commuters, however it’s necessary to keep our workers and motorist safe during construction,” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith. “The replacement of the two bridges with safe and modern infrastructure is critical to maintaining our transportation systems state of good repair.”
Contractor Concrete General, of Gaithersburg, will perform the work. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2024.
A public open house was held by State Highway Administration on March 9 to share information and answer project-related questions. Participants were able to view maps and display boards and speak with project staff. More details on the MD 91 Bridge Replacement Project can be found on the project portal page here.
State Highway Administration 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. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.