New MD 261 Bridge Provides a Wider, Safer Route to the Beach
The original bridge was built in 1940 and serves as the main route into Chesapeake Beach and serves motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists across the bridge as well as marine vessels traveling below. The new MD 261 bridge over Fishing Creek was dedicated in August 2019 and offers a wider, safer bridge for travelers. The new bridge has two 12-foot lanes, a dedicated left-turn lane from southbound MD 261 onto Mears Avenue, 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant sidewalks, and 5-foot bicycle-compatible shoulders. The bridge is now 4 feet higher and provides more under clearance for marine vessels. The new bridge includes a pedestrian overlook that allows pedestrians an opportunity to stop and enjoy the scenic vistas and learn more about the history of the original Fishing Creek bridge detailed on information signs. Pedestrian safety improvements include accessible pedestrian signals at the Mears Avenue intersection.
Read additional stories from this state:
- Context Driven Guide and Web Portal
- MD 2/4 Widening between Fox Run Boulevard and MD 231
- MD 273 over Big Elk Creek
- MD 30 Business (Main Street) Urban Reconstruction
- MD 32 Phase 1 Keeps Traffic Flowing
- New Dover Bridge (MD 331) Opens Access for Vehicle and Marine Traffic Without Delays
- Operational and Safety Improvements to US 1 in College Park
- Severn River Bridge (US 50/301) Transformation Brings Regional Benefits
- Supply Chain and Healthcare Access Projects
- Watkins Mill Interchange
