County to hold public meeting on Leeds Creek Bridge replacement

The proposed construction to replace the Leeds Creek Bridge located in the Village of Tunis Mills is expected to move forward, according to the Talbot County Department of Public Works.

In a press release, the county said that to provide comprehensive information about the bridge replacement project, the department will host a public information meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephens AME Church, located at 9467 Unionville Road in Easton.

The meeting will feature detailed presentations on the proposed bridge replacement, including project improvement displays for public review, the release said. County staff and project consultants will be on hand to address any questions, comments or concerns from attendees.

“This project underscores Talbot County’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its infrastructure for the safety and benefit of all residents,” the release read. “A full road closure of a portion of Tunis Mills Road will be required during the construction period.”

Discussions on the project started nearly 20 years ago when the county did a preliminary engineering report to look into replacing the bridge. In the late 2010s, the previous county council appropriated $1.8 million to the replacement project.

The county then went to the State Highway Administration to look into utilizing federal aid funding to replace the bridge. SHA provided an 80% grant, with 20% of local funding applied to the project. According to the county’s website, total costs for the project could be up to $6 million.

Proposed changes to the old wooden bridge include adding an additional two feet of clearance, replacing timber piles with steel piles, adding a wooden laminated deck that can be paved over, widening the bridge slightly for walkers and improving a ramp and unloading platform. Several other bridges in the county have undergone similar laminated deck replacement.

According to the county’s website the design phase of the replacement project is almost complete, and an advertisement for construction is expected to go out in the late fall or early winter.

For those unable to attend the meeting Aug. 7, the Public Works is taking inquiries or feedback directly at clarke@talbotcountymd.gov, mmertaugh@talbotcountymd.gov or 410-770-8170.