(June 28, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is progressing on-schedule with a project to replace the MD 36 (Mt. Savage Road) Bridge over Jennings Run in Mount Savage, Allegany County. The $4.8 million project will be complete early this fall.

The bridge, which was originally constructed in 1929, is structurally sound, but needs replacement. In addition to the bridge replacement, crews will also rehabilitate the retaining walls along Jennings Run and replace the retaining wall along Old Row Road. Crews will also construct a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to MD 36 and a stone dust trail at the south end of the project.

To expedite the project, MD 36 is closed and detoured until early September. Motorists travelling on MD 36 are guided to westbound US 40 Alt (National Highway) into Frostburg and continue back to MD 36. MDOT SHA has posted detour signs along the route to help drivers navigate the detour.

MDOT SHA’s contractor, Charles J. Merlo, Inc. of Mineral Point, Pa., will use barrels and detour signs to guide motorists through the work zone. Approximately 3,600 vehicles use this section of MD 36 each day and are encouraged to plan extra travel time during the project.

Drivers need to stay alert, focus on the road and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

For a look at real-time commute conditions, log onto md511.maryland.gov.