It’s expected to be finished by summer 2020.
Frederick, Md (KM). The bridge replacement project along Route 355 near the Monocacy National Battlefield is 52% complete, according to State Highway Administration spokeswoman Shantee Felix. She says the project is on track to be finished by the summer of 2020.
Work began in late 2017. A temporary bridge was installed over the railroad tracks to keep vehicular traffic moving while the new span is being constructed.
“Right now, crews have done the pouring for the abutments and piers,” says Felix. “Just last week, they were able to pour 81 yards of concrete in the first footer in the abutment on the Frederick side. They need to set the steel girders for the new bridge, and they expect to do that in the fall, likely in October.”
When the bridge is completed, Felix says it will have a number of new features. “This new bridge will come with an eight-foot wide sidewalk on the east side of the bridge. And also bicycle-compatible shoulders. There will also be pedestrian trails on the side,” she says.
With bridge replacement work potentially impacting the Monocacy National Battlefield visitation and the use of the tracks by CSX trains, Felix says SHA had to do a lot of coordination with various entities. “We have had a lot of meetings and calls at our district offices and CSX and the Battlefield. We just have a lot agencies on the table on what we’re trying to do,” she says. “We’re trying to keep everyone in the loop about the progress we’re trying to make. So yes, coordination was a big part of this project.”
SHA says the project costs about $10-million. About 20,000 vehicles travel that stretch of Route 355 each day, according to Felix.
By Kevin McManus