State Highway Administration Completes Bridge Deck Replacement On Northbound US 15

$6.9 Million Project Includes New Concrete Deck, Reinforced Support Beams

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has completed a $6.9 million project, replacing the deck on the northbound US 15 bridge over MD 77 (West Main Street) and Hunting Creek in the Thurmont area of Frederick County. Concrete barriers separating the two traffic lanes have been removed and both lanes of northbound US 15 are now open.

“US 15 is a tremendously important connection for the community and the region, and we’re excited to deliver an improved span that will serve the area for many decades to come,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the county and local residents for their patience and collaboration during this important project.”

The project began in December 2021 and involved repairs to the steel beams that support the concrete bridge deck, as well as repairs to the supporting piers. While the bridge deck replacement is complete, some remaining work, such as painting, will be performed without interrupting traffic.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to keeping Maryland’s infrastructure in a state of good repair,” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith. “US 15 is a critical corridor that serves thousands of motorists every day, whether it’s for the daily commuter or to move commercial goods.”

The primary contractor, Clearwater Construction Inc., of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, completed the construction on the bridge, which was originally built in 1957. Crews worked on one lane at a time, which allowed northbound US 15 traffic to continue moving during construction.

The State Highway Administration 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.

For a list of all major projects, go to the project portal or visit their home page at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.