Recently Completed: Frederick County – Route 522 (Front Royal Pike) Opequon Creek Bridge Replacement

The southbound Route 522 (Front Royal Pike) Opequon Creek Bridge in eastern Frederick County has reached the end of its service life. Built in 1953, the two-lane bridge is considered functionally obsolete. Functionally obsolete means a structure was designed with older design features that no longer meet current geometrics or modern traffic needs. This designation has no connection to condition rating, but is based on functionality.

The new bridge will have two lanes and will be in the same location and be about a foot higher and will be widened slightly on its eastern side. The new structure will have steel girders and a concrete deck. The approaches on either side of the bridge will be widened and new guardrail will be installed. A six-foot wide paved shoulder will be provided on the right side of the new bridge.

This 0.452-mile long project extends from 0.85-mile north of Route 642 to 0.05-mile north of Route 644.

In 2016 Route 522 had an average daily traffic count of 17,000 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2043 the estimated average daily traffic volume is 26,000 vehicles per day.

The total estimated cost for this project is $5.4 million, including $825,000 for preliminary engineering and $4.6 million for construction.

Benefits 

The new bridge will replace a bridge built in 1953, which has reached the end of its service life. The new bridge will be able to support modern traffic weights and speeds.

Major Milestones 

Project plan approval  Early 2019
Right of Way  Early 2019
Construction advertisement  Spring 2021