Repairs to bridge over Potomac tests patience of drivers in and out of Hancock

HANCOCK, Md. ( DC News Now ) — In western Maryland, traffic headaches are adding to the exasperation caused by extreme late summer heat.

According to locals, the bridge crossing the Potomac in and out of Hancock has become a drivers’ nightmare.

Locals said maintenance on this bridge has long been neglected, and drivers’ patience is wearing thin. Chunks of concrete have been falling from the bridge, and maintenance crews have been actively making urgent structural repairs.

Robert Knapp is a medical doctor living on the south side of the bridge.

“The bridge has been bad for a long time. They should have replaced this thing 20 or 30 years ago,” said Knapp.

Hancock town manager Mike Faith said the entire town is trying to cope with the incessant traffic delays. He’s contacted state highway officials for relief but explains that “Maryland’s having some budget concerns. They’ve been having them the past year. So that certainly has an impact on these infrastructure projects.”

However, for drivers like Dr. Knapp, this traffic disruption is a royal hassle.

“Well, I tried to get around this side of the Potomac yesterday, and I turned around and went back,” said Knapp. “So today I have to get over here, and I waited, and waited and waited.”

Town officials said these issues will eventually be resolved and that drivers will just have to be patient.

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