The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) plans to clean and paint the Pocomoke River drawbridge after Labor Day 2026, with detour details still being evaluated, agency officials said this week.
In an email to the Arrowhead, SHA Media Relations Manager Shanteé Felix wrote: “This project will be advertised in February 2026, with an estimated start date after Labor Day 2026. The bridge cannot be operated while cleaning and painting operations are occurring, and a water detour is not possible. At this point, we are considering options for a land detour that would allow motorists and boaters to reach their destinations safely. We will keep you posted as details develop.”
When pressed on whether it was possible to keep one lane open during the project, Felix added: “We are continuing to review options and will keep you posted on any notifications about the detour.”
Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who stated that she has pressed for bridge repainting since taking office in 2022, shared additional context from an August 1, 2025 email she says she received from District Engineer Mark Crampton. In a public Facebook post, Abbott wrote: “The Office of Structure has advised of plans to paint the bridge sometime after Labor Day 2026. The plan is to close the bridge for a 60-day period. A detour route was shared with the town late this afternoon seeking comments.”
Felix did not confirm any specific closure duration but reiterated that the drawbridge “cannot be operated while cleaning and painting operations are occurring”.
What’s Next
- Design & Procurement: MDOT expects to advertise the project in February 2026.
- Start Window: Work is targeted to begin after Labor Day 2026.
- Operations During Work: The bridge will be inoperable during cleaning and painting; no water detour is possible.
- Traffic Management: A land detour is under consideration; specifics are still being developed. MDOT did not provide a clear response regarding the possibility of single lane operations.
- Closure Duration: A 60-day closure was referenced in Commissioner Abbott’s Facebook post citing an Aug. 1, 2025 email from MDOT’s District Engineer. MDOT media relations has not independently confirmed a duration or detour information in our communications.
The Arrowhead will report additional details as MDOT SHA finalizes the detour plan and publishes the construction schedule.
