(June 3, 2010) – Today, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a $2.8 million project on to replace the bridge on MD 464 (Point of Rocks Road) over the Catoctin Creek east of Brunswick in Frederick County.  SHA anticipates completing the bridge replacement in late fall, weather permitting.  The 76 year old bridge is structurally sound but has out lived its usable life carrying more than 4,000 vehicles a day.
     

During construction, traffic on eastbound and westbound MD 464 has been temporarily detoured as follows:

 

* Westbound MD 464 will be detoured right onto Lander Road, to westbound US 340, to westbound MD 180 (Jefferson Pike), left onto Olive School Road and back to westbound MD 464;

 

* Eastbound MD 464 will be directed to a left onto Olive School Road, to eastbound MD 180, to eastbound US 340, to Lander Road, back to eastbound MD 464.

 

The detour has been coordinated with the Frederick County Department of Transportation, local schools and emergency responders. 
     
Several options were considered to maintain through traffic during the bridge replacement project.  SHA determined a temporary closure of the bridge was the best option as it would shorten the duration of the project.  SHA held a community meeting in October 2008 to discuss the project and explain the need for the temporary closure.  An incentive has been added to the contract for the contractor to complete the bridge replacement and reopen MD 464 as quickly as possible.

SHA awarded the contract to Espina Paving Inc. of Virginia.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 464, US 340, MD 180, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. 
      
Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.