Flat Run Bridge undergoing replacement

Danielle Ryan

(10/20) The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a $4.3 million project to replace the MD 140 (E. Main Street) Bridge over Flat Run and sidewalk construction along MD 140 between North Avenue and Silo Hill Road in Emmitsburg last month. Back in 2014, the bridge was slated for replacement beginning in 2015, and ending in the summer of 2016. Milani Construction, Inc., the contractors for this project, projects the completion of the bridge to be summer of 2018.

The Flat Run Bridge was originally constructed in 1912, and hasn’t undergone any repair since 2011. In fact, the only previous work on the bridge that could be found was when it was widened in 1932, a "deck puncture" repair in 2006, and concrete repairs and preventative measures made in 2011 to the bridge pier and siding, along with some realignment of drainage.

The 84 year-old steel girder bridge is safe, but has outlived its useful life. In addition to the bridge replacement, SHA will realign the roadway to match the new bridge approaches and construction of storm water management facilities. Work will be complete in phases to maintain one travel lane in each direction during construction. A pedestrian bridge will be constructed this winter before any traffic is shifted. More than 5,000 motorists use this portion of MD 140, each day.

"SHA is replacing aging and outdated infrastructure all throughout Maryland," said SHA District Engineer Mark Crampton. "We urge motorists to slow down in our work zones to make sure everyone, including our crews, get home safe."