by Geoff Fox
Work is set to begin on the section of bridge on U.S. 522 that goes over eastbound Interstate 70 in Hancock.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning construction of a $10.9 million project to replace the US 522 bridge over eastbound I-70 in Hancock.
The existing bridge is safe for travel, but state officials say it is nearing the end of its useful service life.
Because of the installation of concrete barrier walls, nighttime closures and detours of north and southbound U.S. 522 will be necessary.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete in 2025.
The project will include removing and replacing the existing bridge deck and steel structure; rehabilitating the abutments and piers; minor paving and resurfacing on the approach roadways to the bridge; and installing upgraded traffic barriers, signage and pavement markings.
Drivers headed onto southbound U.S. 522 from Interstate 70 will detour either from Exit 3 and through Hancock using Main Street to Blue Hill Road and onto U.S. 522, or head onto westbound I-68 to Woodmont Road and then return to I-68 eastbound to reach southbound U.S. 522.
For northbound drivers, they can use eastbound I-70 to MD 615 (Exit 5) and then use I-70 westbound into Pennsylvania, or turn onto High Street to Pennsylvania Avenue to Resley Street/Warfordsburg Road/Buck Valley Road to Great Cove Road.
Once the barrier walls are installed and detours removed, motorists will be guided by drums, cones and concrete barriers through the work zone, said highway officials in a press release.
Throughout the duration of the project, single-lane traffic will be maintained in each direction over the bridge.
Work may require closures during off-peak nights and weekends, as necessary.
Contractor Triton Construction Inc., of St. Albans, West Virginia, will perform the work.
The SHA asks motorists to stay alert, stay focused and be aware of reduced speed limits and changing driving patterns.
Slow down and move over in work zones. It’s the law.
