Replacement of the two-lane bridge in Knoxville was completed last October; construction of the new retaining wall began in June 2009.

SHA spokesman David Buck said the agency needed time to create the retaining wall's redesign, work with affected property owners and attain appropriate approval from several agencies, including the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

At a meeting last October, State Highway officials, Delegate Rick Weldon and a representative from Sen. Alex Mooney's office met with impacted residents to solicit feedback on the plans.

Buck said Knoxville residents supported the recommended design.

The Frederick County Historic Preservation Commission reviewed plans for the redesign and concurred with SHA's proposed Alternative 2, said Janet Davis, historic preservation planner for the county's Division of Planning.

In mid-June 2008, the bridge was closed to begin the project. Buck said that during construction, crews discovered the retaining wall was beginning to deteriorate. The wall structure holds back rock and soil and prevents erosion while supporting Md. 180 and several private driveways.

"The retaining wall is crumbling and the fix is not simple, nor quick," Buck said last October.

As of June 2009, SHA reported that work on the 1910 bridge was substantially complete, but the road could not be reopened until the retaining wall was replaced.

During the remaining construction phase of the project, motorists can expect detours and single-lane closures along Md. 180 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The 4.5-mile detour directs motorists to Md. 17 (Burkittsville Road), U.S. 340 and Md. 67 (Rohrersville Road).

SHA anticipates reopening Md. 180 to through traffic this winter. The overall project will be complete spring 2010, weather permitting. Buck said cold weather will not allow SHA to complete roadway resurfacing this year.

The new retaining wall is a concrete wall with a stamped stone pattern, tinted brown and red in keeping with the town's historic character, Buck said.

Any questions on traffic operations along Md. 180, or other state-numbered routes in Frederick County, can be directed to SHA's District 7 Office at 301-624-8100.

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