New Bridge to be built Next to Existing Structure; Open by the End of the Year

(March 31, 2016) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration will begin a $2.7 million project to replace a nearly 100 year old bridge in Barrelville, Allegany County. Built in 1923, the MD 47 (Barrelville Road) Bridge over the north branch of Jennings Creek is safe, but has outlived its functional life and is in need of replacement.

SHA will construct the new bridge next to the existing bridge, allowing drivers to experience very little traffic impacts during construction. By late-summer, a crane will be used to install the concrete beams and will be operating close to the travel lanes of the existing bridge.  In the interest of public safety, SHA will install a temporary traffic signal to alternate traffic in the far lane and safely away from work operations.  SHA will also slightly reconfigure the approach lanes to the bridge, which will help reduce an existing sharp curve in the road near the bridge.

“Motorists will welcome the slight realignment of the road to the east eliminating the sharp turn on MD 47,” said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford.  “We look forward to getting started on this project and ultimately open the new structure by the end of the year.”

 

 

The entire project, which includes demolition of the old bridge, will be complete spring 2017.

SHA’s contractor for the project is Carl Belt, Inc. of Cumberland.  Construction season is beginning. Motorists should “Think Orange” and slowdown in work zones.  For real-time traffic information, log onto www.md511.org.