Berlin looking to reconnect the community with bridge over U.S. Route 113

BERLIN, Md. – In Worcester County, there are some developments in the town of Berlin.

Officials are planning for the bike and pedestrian bridge project crossing over Route 113, which is all part of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant.

The town held a couple public meetings to get input on the project, discuss options, and review potential locations. At the meeting were town officials and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration.

The hope for the bridge is to bridge the gap that divides the town from the west and east sides. However, things are further complicated by the high-traffic volume on US-113. Which is one of the busiest highways in the entire county.

Mayor Zach Tyndall tells WMDT an effort like this helps them plan their next steps. And give community members the reassurance they need about the process.

“The tunnels, lowering the highway so it runs below grade, we’ve talked about a bridge, we talked about improved sidewalks, we’ve talked about lowering speed limits. All those ideas are on the table, and that’s why we are having this type of conversation.”

The town is still in the first phase of the project. Mayor Zach Tyndall tells us that in order to move to the next phases — state funding is a must.

WMDT will follow the project as things develop.