News Release

Little Tonoloway Bridge reopens in Hancock

NPS Photo

News Release Date: January 15, 2021

Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

HANCOCK, Md. — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has replaced the bridge span at Little Tonoloway Day Use and Recreation Area and will reopen the crossing over the canal to traffic in the afternoon on Friday, Jan. 15.

The bridge had been closed to vehicle traffic since Nov. 2019 when engineers discovered that its beams were severely corroded during a routine inspection. The National Park Service (NPS) had been planning to replace the bridge and we worked with the Federal Highway Administration to do the work sooner than originally scheduled.

In order to finish this project, the NPS will return to repave the bridge’s approaches when there is warmer weather.

When that work happens, the Little Tonoloway Day Use and Recreation Area restrooms and picnic area will remain open, but the boat ramp will be temporarily inaccessible via vehicles.

For any questions, please call 301-739-4200, option 0, to speak with park staff, or check online for bridge project updates. For park information visit the park website www.nps.gov/choh.

-NPS-

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh.