​Project will Replace Century-Old Span Over Middle Creek in Middletown 

(July 10, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a $5 million project this week to replace the 100-year-old MD 17 (Burkittsville Road) bridge over Middle Creek near Middletown, Frederick County. The bridge, initially constructed in 1923 and widened in 1958, is nearing the end of its service life and is due for replacement. The new bridge will include two 12-foot lanes with a 10-foot shoulder on each side.

Side view of the MD 17 bridge over Middle Creek. SHA Photo

“While small in scale, this bridge impacts thousands of motorists and is an essential connector on the western side of Frederick County.” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith. “When completed, the new bridge will move traffic more safely and more efficiently.”

Each side of the bridge will take approximately nine months to complete. During construction, traffic across the bridge will be reduced to one travel lane. The State Highway Administration will install two temporary traffic signals between Quebec School Road and Countryside Drive to safely alternate northbound and southbound vehicles traveling across the structure and ensure motorist and work zone safety. The project is expected to finish in fall 2024.

During construction, the project team will make every effort to minimize impacts to local residents, businesses and motorists. Franco’s Liberty Bridge Inc., based in Clinton, is the primary contractor on the project. More details on the MD 17 Bridge Replacement Project can be found on the State Highway Administration’s Project Portal Page by clicking here.

The State Highway Administration understands lane closures can be inconvenient, but the work is necessary to maintain and improve the transportation system. Drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits as well as driving pattern changes, and slow down in construction zones.