Pocomoke drawbridge to be repainted and cleaned in upcoming project
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway administration held an open house at Pocomoke Middle School. The meeting was to discuss the maintenance work to the Pocomoke drawbridge over the Pocomoke River.
Commissioner Caryn Abbott who represents part of the city, said this is something she has been working towards. “Since I’ve been commissioner, I have been asking the state highway to paint the bridge.”
The SHA has initiated the cleaning and painting project on the iconic structure. The bridge was last painted in 1999, and painting the steel parts helps protect them from rust, which can weaken the structure over time.
Joe Navarra, is the MDOT SHA Project Manager, he explained to WMDT what the move would look like.
“Well, what we need to do in order to accomplish that is we need to close down the bridge for approximately 60 days. In order to keep the bridge in the open position, so we can maintain boat traffic as well.”
MDOT planned for the open house format to gauge public reaction. The bridge project could’ve been potentially stalled if enough community members had an uproar.
Keith Hornberger, owner of downtown business Wulfhause Productions, thinks the open house went well.
“It was a very positive open house. The biggest thing is what we can do to work with each other. This past year we had a lot of construction, and it really slowed down our season for Christmas. This year we don’t want it to happen again for 26.”
Christy Gordon is the Executive Director for the Delmarva Discovery Museum, which sits right next to the drawbridge. She expects the project to be nice for the city.
“Not only will it be structurally sound, but it will be very pretty and inviting, saying welcome in to Pocomoke.”
There was concern at the open house on if the bridge would be closed or open during the repainting. Navarra said that it being opened would suit well for the construction team. The project would be done faster.
However, some residents were worried about potential delays with detours if the bridge was opened.
It was first built in 1920, automobiles were overtaking steamboat travel. The bridge helped reconnect Pocomoke with population centers and accommodated increased traffic.
Mayor of Pocomoke City, Todd Nock, says how vital the structure is for the area. “The Pocomoke Bridge is one of the gateways, not only for our city, but for our heart.”
Commissioner Abbott is pleased to ultimately see a project she has been pushing forward come to fruition. “Much needed, with the revitalization of the downtown and the waterfront. It’s gonna be perfect timing to have it done.”
Construction is expected to begin in the summer and be completed by the winter. The drawbridge will be closed to traffic, with a detour in place between September and November.
There is hope from businesses that during that time – MDOT will put signage on route 13 to bring in potential visitors.
