by Geoff Fox
A Maryland State Highway Administration project that began in October is sitting at almost 9% completion toward a Summer 2025 target date.
The SHA is replacing the dual bridges on Interstate 68 over Creek Road, just outside of Hancock.
The bridges were constructed in 1963 and are still safe for use, but the bridge deck surfaces are nearing the end of their useful service life.
SHA officials said should the deterioration continue, weight restrictions, or reduced loads for trucks, would need to be posted to ensure the safety of those using the bridge.
This would have a significant impact on the local economy since the interstate functions as a primary travel route for traffic traveling through Western Maryland.
“Replacing the bridges will save money on future maintenance spending and support safety and mobility as part of MDOT SHA’s goal of keeping Maryland’s transportation system in a good state of repair,” the SHA said on their website.
During construction, at least one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times and bridge replacements will be completed in two stages of construction.
In February, crews from Triton Construction Inc., of St. Albans, W.Va., began stage one erosion and sediment controls. They will also continue installing those controls and begin stage one demolition of existing eastbound and westbound bridges.
The project is expected to cost $18.2 million.
Starting this past Monday, March 11, traffic on Creek Road will be detoured, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the next three weeks, weather permitting, as the work continues.
To reach the western side of Creek Road past the I-68 bridges, the detour will have drivers use MD 144 (Western Pike) to Sandy Mile Road and then on to Creek Road.
Creek Road from just before the bridges to Limestone Road will remain open.
School buses and emergency vehicles will still be permitted to use Creek Road, Assistant Media Relations Manager Daniel Allman said in an email.
“This detour will allow for the removal of the existing bridge deck for Stage 1,” Allman said. “The traffic pattern on I-68 will remain the same.”
