​(October 5, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT  SHA) will reopen the US 1 (Belair Road) driveway to the parking lot for the Gunpowder Falls State Park – Central Area in Baltimore County on Tuesday morning, Oct. 6. The closure was part of the $3.6 million US 1 bridge rehabilitation project that is expected to be complete later this fall.

The park’s parking lots, adjoining trails and pathways over the Gunpowder Falls and the pedestrian tunnel had been closed since October 2019. During the closure, MDOT SHA and its contractor, Marine Technologies, Inc. of Baltimore, rehabilitated the corrugated metal pipe arches of the of the US 1 bridge over the Gunpowder Falls and the metal pipe arch pedestrian tunnel underneath US 1.   

The bridge rehabilitation project also includes enhancements to the park, such as stabilization of the connector pathway from the parking lot to the trail tunnel, and stabilization of part of the trails. Learn more about the project HERE.

MDOT SHA advises park visitors that parking on the shoulder of US 1 is prohibited in the vicinity of this park entrance. No Parking signs are posted along this segment of US 1.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers.  Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes.  Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones. 

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.