​Public Encouraged to Learn About Historic Bridge Project and Detour Plans 

(January 8, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a public open house, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 15, at Pocomoke Middle School, 800 8th Street, Pocomoke City, to share information about an upcoming project to clean and paint the historic bridge on US 13 Business over the Pocomoke River in Worcester County. 

The bridge was built in 1921 and requires periodic maintenance. The project will include painting steel components to prevent rust and corrosion. Cleaning and painting will improve the bridge’s aesthetic appeal and prevent deterioration.

It will not be feasible during the work to allow traffic on the bridge because the drawbridge must be in its fully open position. As a result, a detour will be in place to allow crews to expedite the cleaning and painting process while providing a safe work environment. The detour will be in effect for approximately 60 days, weather permitting, and is expected to begin after Labor Day in September 2026. Northbound and southbound traffic will be directed to use MD 364 (Market Street), US 13 (Ocean Highway), MD 250A (Old Virginia Road) and US 13 Business (Market Street). See map below.

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US 13 Business map of project and public meeting

Marine traffic will be able to traverse the Pocomoke River throughout the project because the drawbridge will be open. The channel may be narrowed by a few feet for the containment system that encapsulates the bridge while work is completed. For more information and to learn about the bridge’s history, visit the US 13 Business bridge Project Portal page. 

The public open house is an opportunity for residents and commuters to learn more about the project and detour route, enabling them to better plan their travel in the area. Attendees will be able to view maps and displays, speak with representatives from the State Highway Administration and provide feedback. There will be no formal presentation. Attendees may arrive at any time during the open house to view maps and displays. Project materials also will be available online after the event on the Project Portal page. 

Those requiring assistance to participate in the public open house, such as those seeking an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, may email [email protected] before the event. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1. 

Questions about the open house or general inquiries can be directed to Community Relations Manager Linda Stevens [email protected] or Project Manager Joseph Navarra at [email protected]. 

This project is consistent with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety initiative, a department-wide commitment to advance improvements that drive safety goals and save lives.