(July 1, 2015) – The new MD 550 (Woodsboro Road) Bridge over Israel Creek is scheduled to reopen to two-way traffic tomorrow, marking completion of the bridge reconstruction project.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will remove a temporary traffic signal in place since 2013 to alternate traffic over the bridge as crews reconstructed the structure one half at time. Using a flagging operation beginning 7 a.m., crews will remove the signal and reopen the bridge to two-way traffic by 3 p.m.

“We appreciate the community’s patience throughout the construction and are pleased to open the new and improved bridge to traffic,” said SHA District 7 Engineer Mark Crampton.  “The new bridge will better serve the more than 3,000 drivers who rely on it every day.”

The project was part of SHA’s bridge preservation and replacement program. The MD 550 Israel Creek Bridge was originally constructed in 1924 and lengthened in 1978. It was structurally safe but showing signs of significant deterioration and was due for replacement. The new bridge is wider to provide a safer traveling area and was designed to minimize the frequent flooding in the area by eliminating the piers (central supports) and changing the alignment of the bridge opening with respect to the stream. The project was completed by Concrete General, Inc.