A trash truck struck an overhead beam.
Frederick, Md (KM). The Maryland State Highway Administration has closed the Route 355 bridge over the Monocacy River. Spokesman Charlie Gischlar says a trash truck hit one of the overhead beams, causing considerable damage. “It will have to be repaired. So this is not going to open anytime soon,” he says. “If you hear {or read} this message in mid-Maryland right now, make alternate plans to use I-270.”
Gischlar says it’s uncertain when this bridge will be reopened to traffic. He says engineers and inspectors from the SHA were sent to examine the damage and determine repairs that need to be made.
“It’s a steel truss bridge. It was originally constructed in 1930; did a major upgrade in 1980. And it is not–I repeat– not a structurally deficient bridge,” says Gischlar. SHA says an average of 12,000 vehicles use that bridge each day.
By diverting traffic to I-270, Gischlar says it could create some additional traffic congestion on that superhighway. “Give yourself some extra time. Obviously, you’re going to be detoured and you’re to be put into a situation with a lot more traffic than you’re used to,” he says.
SHA has set up a detour to keep traffic away from the Route 355 bridge over the Monocacy River.
By Kevin McManus
