Mar. 8, 2012
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) has restricted access on and around the Casselman River Bridge in Grantsville until further notice because of safety concerns related to the failure of a portion of one wall. MPS installed fencing and signs to prevent public access to the bridge and the surrounding area.
“The closure is a precautionary measure in response to structural deterioration along the west wall of the bridge,” said Jordan Loran, director of the Engineering and Construction Unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “While the structure appears to be relatively stable at this time, there is some danger that stones may continue to fall.”
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Engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the bridge last week and determined that the damage is repairable. MPS remains committed to preserving and protecting this historic landmark and will begin the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
The Casselman River Bridge is one of the oldest surviving bridges in the country. The 80-foot stone-arch bridge was originally built in 1813 as part of the old National Road. At the time of its construction, the Cassleman River Bridge was the longest single-span bridge in the United States. The bridge served as an important transportation link until 1933, when a new steel bridge was built nearby. The bridge was closed to vehicles in 1953, and the area became established as a state park in 1957.
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