OAKLAND, MD – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) is currently in the design phase of a bridge rehabilitation project aimed at improving the MD 135 bridge, which spans the Little Youghiogheny River in Mountain Lake Park.
The bridge, originally constructed in 1956, serves Maryland State Route 135 as a vital link between Oakland, Maryland, and Westernport, Maryland. While the bridge remains structurally sound, its deck surface is approaching the end of its useful service life. The rehabilitation is expected to address this issue while improving safety and mobility on this primary route.
The project will involve the installation of a new bridge deck and wider shoulders to enhance safety for drivers on MD 135. During construction, traffic will continue to be directed through the work zone using a temporary signal and alternating one-lane traffic to minimize disruptions.
“Rehabilitating the MD 135 bridge will help extend its lifespan, reduce future maintenance costs, and improve safety for the thousands of drivers who rely on this route,” said a SHA spokesperson. “Our goal is to provide a quality transportation asset while keeping traffic impacts to a minimum.”
Work to date has involved setting up temporary traffic configurations to ensure safe travel through the area when construction begins. A traffic switch is planned for the week of April 15th, weather permitting, which will continue to manage alternating traffic through the work zone.
The rehabilitation project is progressing and, as of April 2025, the project is 17% complete. Recent work also completed by Merlo Construction includes:
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Mobilization and clearing of the project site
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Installation of work area erosion and sediment (E&S) controls
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Placement of Stage 1 temporary signals and poles
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Patches on the existing bridge deck
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Installation of Stage 1 temporary traffic signs
Drivers are advised to remain alert for changes to traffic patterns as work progresses.
For more information about the project or to stay updated on traffic changes, visit the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration website.
