Two-Week Closure Needed to Replace Large Gear and Deck Plate

(February 15, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will close the 80-year old MD 795 (Maryland Avenue) Drawbridge over Cambridge Creek for repairs on March 5 for up to two weeks. Marine traffic will not be impacted by the closure.

Motorists and pedestrians will be directed from US 50 (Ocean Gateway) to a right turn onto Cedar Street to a right turn onto Academy Street and back to Maryland Avenue. Access to all business will be maintained at all times during the drawbridge repair and maintenance project.

Work includes replacement of a large pinion gear in the drawbridge mechanism and replacement of a steel plate on the bridge deck. These repairs will ensure reliability of the drawbridge during peak boating season. Covington Machine and Welding of Annapolis is the contractor.  MDOT SHA is performing these repairs in advance of the busy spring and summer tourist season to minimize impacts to motorists, residents and area businesses.

The Cambridge Creek drawbridge provides a vital link between US 50 and downtown Cambridge businesses and government facilities – more than 12,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day.  It’s also the second busiest of MDOT SHA’s 19 movable spans, opening more than 8,000 times a year for boaters.

The Road Ready electronic construction brochure is now available by clicking here. The e-brochure highlights major road construction and maintenance projects in Maryland. While MDOT SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.