Bridging the highway that divides a town: Berlin’s Route 113 gets funding cut

BERLIN, Md. — The Town of Berlin just received official notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation that $950,000 in pedestrian and bicycle safety funding has been cut.

The loss of nearly $1 million has residents and officials expressing disappointment. Mayor Zach Tyndall said this has been an ongoing issue during his time as mayor.

“The funding is designed to help our community overcome the U.S. 113 Highway. It goes straight through the town of Berlin,” said Tyndall.

The decision was made as a result of congressional action under the Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law in July. Mayor Tyndall is deeply concerned about how this will impact the town over the long haul.

“How can I access services like Atlantic General Hospital that’s a mile north? How can I take my children to Little League or Pop Warner football, 1.5 miles down the road? How do I access vital public services like the library or take my kids to the dentist?”

Residents can’t believe the news. Janice Leonard felt like the funding would have helped make those in Berlin feel integrated. “The seniors, the children, anybody that walks across that is very dangerous. We need the grant.”

This move at the federal level puts that at a standstill. WMDT spoke with Aaron Barkley, a young child playing on basketball courts near his Flower Street neighborhood. He said pedestrian safety has been an issue during his whole childhood.

“Always, when I’m trying to get ice cream or something, there is always speed traffic and a lot of traffic over there.”

And he’s not alone. Tasha Brittingham, a mother, said it’s hard for her son if he wants to cross into town.

“I think there are people who go through there ignoring the speed, and they’re just in a rush. And it does make it difficult for anyone who’s crossing from one side to the other,” said Brittingham.

The hope is that change will eventually come, but there are no plans set in stone for the foreseeable future. $250,000 in obligated funds remains available for use, but the town’s efforts to evaluate and plan for safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings over U.S. Route 113 will be significantly decreased.