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The Maryland State Highway Administration will begin construction June 18 to replace the U.S. Route 219 bridge over Cherry Creek, about 5 miles south of Oakland.

 

The bridge will be closed to traffic and a detour will direct motorists around the closure using U.S. Route 50. Weather permitting, the new bridge will open to traffic late summer or early fall.

The $2 million bridge replacement project is part of SHA’s Bridge System Preservation Program.

Originally constructed in 1922, the bridge has undergone temporary repairs and is now due for a full replacement to support safety and mobility.

The new bridge will have wider shoulders and will be slightly longer and slightly south of the existing bridge. SHA’s contractor for the project is Charles J. Merlo Inc. of Mineral Point, Pa.

“SHA considered several alternatives to maintain traffic on U.S. 219 during construction, but we determined that a complete detour was the best option for safety and to reduce the duration of the project, minimizing the inconvenience to drivers and the local community,” said Anthony Crawford, SHA district engineer for Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties.

The detour is about 18 miles so travelers will need to allow extra time.

The bridge closure will begin after the last day of school to minimize impacts as the bridge is near Swan Meadow School in Gortner. SHA will work with Garrett County Public Schools to coordinate transportation if the closure is still effective at the start of the school year.