One Lane Of Rt. 340 Bridge Over Catoctin Creek Will Close Beginning On Wednesday

MDOT SHA says improvements will be made to the road surface.

Jefferson, Md. (KM) – Crews are expected to begin work this week on the US Route 340 bridge over Catoctin Creek in the Jefferson area.

Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration spokeswoman Shantee Felix says starting at 9:00 AM on Wednesday,   the right lane of Route 340 past  the Md. 180 exit will be closed. “What we’ll be doing then is we’ll be installing new planking braces,” she says. MDOT SHA says planking braces strengthen the bridge deck. That task is expected to take one week to complete.

After that, Felix says MDOT SHA crews will be repairing pot holes, patching concrete and installing a new road surface on the bridge.   She says crews will be working day and night to make concrete and surface repairs.   The entire project is expected to e completed in April.

Motorists who travel that stretch of Route 340 are urged to find alternate routes to get to their destinations. “We are advising the public to avoid 340 if  they can  while this project is taking place,” she says. “One thing to remember is we are going to maintain two-way traffic on the bridge while we’re working. But we still want the public to take alternate routes.”

MDOT SHA says cones, barrels, signs and electronic boards  will be used to alert motorists about road closures,  and guide them  through the work zone. Drivers are urged to stay alert,   focus on their driving; and look out for reduced speed limits.

By Kevin McManus