CLEAR SPRING – They don’t build bridges like they used to. And when old historic bridges wear out, it is important to respect the architectural significance of these touchstones of Maryland’s rich past, according to state highway officials.
The bridge in question is the historic 90-year-old bridge over Conococheague Creek on Route 40 near the community of Wilson in Washington County, which is scheduled for an extensive restoration that will result in it being closed for up to a year.
On April 16, the state highway administration will host a public open house from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clear Spring High School to explain the restoration timetable and hear community input on the implications on traffic patterns as a result of the project. At the informal open house, state officials will share maps of the proposed upgrades, answer questions and hear community feedback on the project.
“Putting aside the sheer beauty of this structure, the contribution it shows to the area’s history is important and should be preserved,” said Linda Puffenbarger, a district highway engineer.
Route 40 is historic in and of itself as the recipient of the first-ever federal highway funding in United States history back in 1811. Paired with the stone arch bridge just upstream in Wilson, the Conococheague Creek bridge speaks to how long this community has been connected to travel through the region along the historic National Pike.
“That story is really something to treasure,” Puffenbarger said. “The administration is glad to do its part to maintain the history of this community.” The state considers the bridge, built in 1935-6, a Tier I historic structure. The rehabilitation will be lengthy, with the closure of Route 40 starting at the end of the school year in June and continuing through late summer 2026.
While the existing bridge remains safe, the planned extensive upgrades will ensure it continues to meet modern standards and extend its service life many decades into the future. The project involves replacing the roadway deck, parapets and support columns, rehabilitating the substructure and enhancing the nearby Wilson Park kayak launch.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured via Route 68 (Clear Spring Road), I-70 and Greencastle Pike (Route 63). The SHA has planned extensive signage to guide motorists, prioritizing I-70 as a safe and efficient alternate route. However, local roads may see increased traffic, impacting residents, emergency services, school routes and businesses, including the recently reopened Hagerstown Speedway.
Puffenbarger said that as with any detour, construction plans will include extensive temporary signing to divert traffic onto viable alternate routes. While acknowledging that some local roadways will see more vehicles on a day-to-day basis, the parallel route of I-70 is “a safe and efficient alternative for many motorists that normally cross the bridge.”
With an attractive open spandrel arch design, the Conococheague Creek bridge exemplifies a hallmark of 1930s engineering, reflecting the era’s shift to modern highways during the Great Depression. The triple span is both elegant and strong enough to maintain structural integrity during the creek’s frequent floods. Fewer than 10 similar concrete arch bridges from the 1930s remain in Maryland, making its preservation yet more significant.
The bridge was built as part of a major relocation and widening of Route 40 as a successor to the original National Road between Frederick and Cumberland. Built by the Maryland State Roads Commission, it replaced older stone arch bridges like Wilson’s Bridge (built in 1819), to accommodate growing automobile traffic.
Its open spandrel arch design, using concrete, was a modern choice for the era, balancing strength with a lighter, more aesthetic appearance thanks to its columns and horizontal struts. Spanning 370 feet, the bridge was engineered to handle heavier loads and wider roads, reflecting the shift from horse-drawn wagons to motorized vehicles.
Highway Administration Community Relations Manager Shelley Miller said the bridge holds immense value to the community, and the state is committed to balancing its preservation with the need for safety and reliability. More information on the bridge can be found here, and inquiries may be directed to Ms. Miller at [email protected].
