August 22nd, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has completed a project replacing the bridge deck and rehabilitating the superstructure of the MD 51 (Industrial Boulevard) bridge over MD 61 (Canal Parkway) in Cumberland. The bridge was built in 1965 and was nearing the end of its useful service life.  

“MDOT SHA’s work on the MD 51 bridge deck in Cumberland benefits local residents, as well as the business owners and employees who use this bridge every day,” said MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. “The project also follows through on the commitment from MDOT and Governor Larry Hogan to maintain and improve our highway system statewide.” 

“Our customers rely on us for safety and mobility, and our MDOT SHA team works every day to fulfill that expectation and keep our transportation system in a state of good repair,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “In the work we do to repair and preserve our infrastructure, we’re supporting growth and economic opportunities in every Maryland community.” 

The $14 million project began in February 2020 and included: 

• replacement of the existing bridge deck, 
• repair of structural steel, 
• cleaning and painting of all structural steel, 
• resurfacing the bridge approaches, 
• construction of a stormwater management facility, 

• modification of lighting and 
• replacement of a bridge-mounted water line. 

Pedestrian access was maintained throughout construction. MDOT SHA contractor Triton Construction performed the work. Learn more about this project by clicking here.  

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits as well as other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones. Motorists can dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.