June 29th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has opened the new $9.1 million MD 36 (Mount Savage Road) bridge over Jennings Run in Mount Savage, Allegany County.

The new bridge replaces a 91-year-old span that was among structurally deficient bridges in Maryland that Governor Larry Hogan has promised to address. The original MD 36 bridge, constructed in 1929, had outlived its useful service life.

“Our bridge rehabilitation and replacement program is one of the best in the nation,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “We appreciate the cooperation and patience of all parties involved, especially the town of Mount Savage, while we worked to achieve the completion of this historic project.”

MDOT SHA contractor Charles J. Merlo Inc. of Mineral Point, Pennsylvania, performed the work, which included installing the new .11-mile vehicular span and pedestrian walkway, and replacing five retaining walls. Crews replaced retaining walls along Jennings Run that had supported a demolished building along Old Row Road and constructed the pedestrian bridge.

A memorial dedicated to the Mount Savage residents who served as Dough Boys during World War I was removed during construction and has been restored. The memorial will be moved to a new location on the pedestrian memorial bridge on Monday, July 6.