Grant funding supports new bicycle, pedestrian bridge on Route 113 in Berlin

BERLIN, Md.- “Right now, the safest way to cross Route 113 is to utilize the traffic signals and go across by vehicle. We want to increase safety and make it so that anyone can walk or bike,” Tyndall said.

$1.2 million in federal grant funding will help reconnect the Berlin community that’s currently divided by Route 113. Those dollars will support the design of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge in the area. “That grant will lead us to do the planning phases we need to do, which will include community meetings as well as work with MDOT and other consultants to help with the design,” Tyndall said.

The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Grant Program which was created through the Inflation Reduction Act. Last fall, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin helped secure the funding for the project.

Mayor Zach Tyndall said the current infrastructure makes it difficult for residents and visitors to access things like health care, schools, and even work. Area businesses owners told us they too could see benefits of the project. “Any project on 113 will bring more people into town. It would make it more convenient for residents and visitors to walk into town,” World of Toys Owner Olga Kozhevnikova said.

Mayor Tyndall said that the project not only helps spur economic development as the town continues to see growth, but it also addresses concerns of public safety.  “The volume of traffic that we see during the summer, which is our peak season, we’ve found that a crosswalk is just isn’t safe enough,” he said.

On top of the bridge project, the funding will also help the town identify key sidewalk and crossing improvements needed in the area. “How do we connect our neighborhoods the best way we can? How do we connect to services and amenities the best way we can? It’s going to be a comprehensive plan but a vital component of that is overcoming the Route 113 highways,” Tyndall said.

Mayor Tyndall told us their next grant application will be for construction funds, which he hopes they’re about to secure within the next year.