SALISBURY, MD – Construction on the US 13 Business bridge over the east branch of the Wicomico River continues, as drivers face congestion on one of Salisbury’s main arteries.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration began work at the site in Spring 2024. Engineers originally projected the project would be wrapped up this summer, but weather delays have pushed the finish line to the end of 2026.
Design for the bridge replacement project began in 2021. The work was strategically divided into phases to avoid land closures on such a busy roadway.
During phase 1, crews widened the northbound side to keep motorists on the road while they worked. Phase 2 included work on the east side. Phase 3, work on the west side, is currently underway.
The final phase will include finishing sidewalks, paving, and landscaping. District Engineer Mark Crampton told WBOC News that work on those finishing touches should be just around the corner, but that weather delays are always a possibility.
For drivers who regularly travel Route 13 Business, the construction has become part of the daily commute.
Tom Knorr, owner of Evolution Public House just south of the project site, said the traffic has also affected the area around his restaurant.
"We're going to be really happy when it ends. It's been a long process,” Knorr said. “Yesterday was my first day I actually had to go up north, and it was a smooth ride. But it seems like today it's back to traffic again, so we're not sure what the end game is here."
According to Crampton, the goal of the project is to improve safety and provide a bridge that will last for decades.
"Any motorist that uses a roadway system should reasonably expect a return on their investment and this is something that when you build a bridge, you have decades and decades of life expectancy,” Crampton said.
Thursday, the crane and other construction equipment sat stationary with no crew members on site. Crampton says there is always a reason if work is paused.
"Sometimes if a contractor is either waiting for something to cure, they're waiting to get equipment in, or whatever it might be,” he said. “You could actually, theoretically, have a beautiful day like it is today and work's not actually going on.”
The narrow width, nearby traffic signals, and central location limit how quickly crews can work safely. Officials say they ask drivers to exercise caution and patience as the work continues.
