Sidewalks to Close as Bridge Construction Moves to Next Phase

FREDERICK, MD - The Motter Avenue Bridge will be getting an additional lane in both directions and that could help alleviate congestion and traffic accidents.

"A lot of minor rear end type accidents when you're going northbound on Opossumtown Pike, and turning in 15," says Captain Richard Hetherington, of the Frederick Police Department.

Part of the problem with traffic flow officers say is that people suddenly stop to turn left, and currently there's no designated turning lane. 

One of the new lanes across the bridge will be dedicated for traffic exiting from US-15.

"This is a major thoroughfare going North and South on this side of the city. There's a lot of pedestrian traffic," says Hetherington.  

"We have Governor Thomas Johnson High on the other side of the bridge and other schools in the area as well," says Heather Keels, of the State Highway Administration.

Construction is moving into its next phase as crews work to restore and widen the bridge and its sidewalks.

"Just near the point in its life when it needs to be replaced and in addition it's because of the width if the bridge this will allow it to widen it to improve traffic flow in this area" says Keels.

Construction began in Spring 2012.

Starting Monday pedestrians will have to use a walkway to cross over US-15. The sidewalks in both directions on the Motter Avenue Bridge will be closed. Contractors brought the walkway in for pedestrian safety during construction. Highway Administration officials say they thought about making a permanent one, but it was too expensive.  

The project costs nearly $15 million, and is expected to be complete by late 2014, or early 2015.