Major Southern Maryland Route Restored Following Late Summer Storm Damage
(November 21, 2011)—The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will reopen MD 234 (Budds Creek Road) over Allens Fresh Run by Tuesday evening November 22, restoring a vital business and commuter link between Charles County and St. Mary’s County in southern Maryland. Replacement of the small bridge over Allens Fresh Run became necessary following heavy rains in August and September that undermined MD 234 and washed out the existing structure, forcing SHA to close MD 234.
“I know it has been a difficult few months for commuters, residents and business owners in southern Maryland, and we thank everyone for their patience,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley. “Getting the road back open was a challenge but workers from SHA and our contractors moved as quickly as possible to restore traffic for the residents of Southern Maryland.”
A steel temporary bridge was erected following extensive site preparation work. Prior to assembling the temporary bridge, crews stabilized the work site by driving large steel sheet piles deep into the soil beneath Allens Fresh Run, then backfilling and anchoring the sheet piles with a concrete and steel tie-back system. The temporary span was placed at a slight offset from the roadway. Design is underway for the permanent structure, which can now be constructed without the need for additional closures of MD 234.
Nearly 6,000 vehicles travel this stretch of MD 234 each day.
SHA’s contractor for the site work and temporary bridge construction is Concrete General of Gaithersburg.
Source: SHA