This week Maryland State Highway Administration crews will begin a $2.7 million project to replace a nearly 100 year old bridge in Barrelville, Allegany County. According to SHA officials the MD 47 (Barrelville Road) Bridge over the north branch of Jennings Creek is safe, but has outlived its functional life and is in need of replacement. SHA will construct the new bridge next to the existing bridge, allowing drivers to experience very little traffic impacts during construction. By late-summer, a crane will be used to install the concrete beams and will be operating close to the travel lanes of the existing bridge. In the interest of public safety, SHA will install a temporary traffic signal to alternate traffic in the far lane and safely away from work operations. SHA will also slightly reconfigure the approach lanes to the bridge, which will help reduce an existing sharp curve in the road near the bridge. The entire project, which includes demolition of the old bridge, will be complete spring 2017. SHA’s contractor for the project is Carl Belt, Inc. of Cumberland. Construction season is beginning. Motorists should “Think Orange” and slowdown in work zones. For real-time traffic information, log onto www.md511.org.
