WASHINGTON — The new Monocacy Boulevard Bridge over U.S. 15 will open to motorists Monday, according to Maryland officials.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) said Friday that the four-lane bridge and a new Monocacy ramp to northbound U.S. 15 — both part of the ongoing Monocacy interchange project in Frederick — will serve as a partial opening of the new U.S. 15/Monocacy Boulevard interchange while construction continues on the rest.
Construction to add a new interchange at U.S. 15 and Monocacy broke ground in 2015, a $61 million project that Federick County officials said would ease traffic congestion near Fort Detrick, the county’s largest employer, with nearly 15,000 cars going in and out of the base each day.
Additionally, pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to access a large section of a new hiker/biker trail on the north side of Monocacy. The trail will connect users to neighborhoods on either side of U.S. 15.
The entire interchange should be available to motorists this fall, including remaining ramps and a 400-space ride-sharing lot, MDOT SHA officials said.
“As Frederick County continues to attract jobs and families, it is critical that our highway improvements provide safe, direct access for those traveling along one of the county’s major corridors,” District 7 Engineer John Concannon said in a statement. “These enhancements will greatly improve safety and allow people to reach their destinations sooner.”
