The First Street bridge reopened to foot and vehicular traffic on Dec. 22, after six months of work to replace the bridge and construct sidewalk.
The project, which forced the closure of vehicular access to East Rockville via First Street during construction, replaced culverts adjacent to Maryvale Park with a concrete bridge, constructed a sidewalk on the east side of the street from Lynn Court to the First Street spur road and relocated utilities.
Some work remains, including staining and patching the concrete bridge walls; installing no parking and handicap parking signs; road and parking lot striping; minor guardrail work; tree planting; and minor sidewalk repairs.
The First Street Bridge was recommended for replacement in 2012, after it was inspected by the city’s consultant as part of the ongoing bridge inspection program. The replacement will ensure that the bridge continues to provide adequate structural stability for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The sidewalk was recommended under the city’s sidewalk prioritization policy.
Learn about Rockville’s prioritization policy for constructing new sidewalks at www.rockvillemd.gov/sidewalks. Learn more about city transportation projects at www.rockvillemd.gov/transportation.