(10/1) With the never ending Flat Run Bridge replacement project at an apparent standstill - with its completion date being pushed back on multiple occasions, and now slated for the end of this year, Emmitsburg town officials have decided to petition the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) to replace a second bridge in town.

The bridge in question is the North Seton Avenue Bridge, located on the North Seton Avenue. According to Town Manager Cathy Willets, Mayor Don Briggs and the town’s previous manager had discussions with the SHA regarding the safety and design of this bridge. Understanding that it may take four to five years before this project may even into fruition, town staff felt it was time to take the next course of action in hopes of garnering the attention of the SHA to come out and take a look at the bridge.

Commissioners were shown pictures of the North Seton Bridge as Willets described several safety concerns. There is a large crack on the north side of the bridge as well as several parts that are starting to fall apart. An overgrowth in vegetation on either side of the bridge is also causing many issues, especially in the way in which the water flows.

According to SHA staff, the North Seton Bridge was built in 1927, has never had any significant repairs, and is in “fair” condition. The 92-year-old bridge has gradually fallen into disrepair in the last several years. Most importantly, the bridge can no longer handle the flow of storm water from the local streams. Town staff report their main concerns pointing to the bridge’s frequent flooding during periods of heavy rains, which entrap the residents of the Northgate Development.

“Everything falls on the state… which is why this first letter is imperative to get your voice heard that we need this to be taken seriously,” commented Willets to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Cliff Sweeney noted his approval of the letter but noted that since it may take several years for this project to begin, town may consider asking the state to maintain some of the overgrown vegetation in the meantime. Letters of consideration were sent to several members of the state government, including local representatives as well as members of SHA

In regards to the Flat Run Bridge project, as mentioned last month, completion of the project has been delayed until December. Residents have expressed frustration with the project’s delay. Willets read an email from the SHA during the September 3 town meeting stating that the contractor had requested some plan revisions regarding sediment control, and the SHA was in the process of evaluating the request. The SHA stated in the email that they were “trying to keep the contractor on schedule.”

A representative from the SHA will be in attendance at the October 7 town meeting to provide a detailed update on the bridge project. All residents are encouraged to attend. While staring at the bridge one resident quipped: “It’s taking them longer to finish this stupid bridge then it took to build the Hoover Dam, and now they want to replace another?”