Replacement of Culvert 82 Bridge

The remnants of Culvert 82 over Little Catoctin Creek that will be spanned by a new bridge as part of this project.

NPS | Susannah Noppenberger, Park Engineer

The towpath at Culvert 82 (Mile 52.51) is CLOSED. The temporary low water crossing bridge (Mile 52.51) is OPEN and will serve as the detour for this project.

The park plans to replace the bridge over the remnants of Culvert 82 (mile 51.51) at Little Catoctin Creek. The previous bridge was washed out during a flash flood event in May 2018 . A temporary low water crossing bridge was installed by the National Park Service (NPS) in 2019. This temporary bridge will remain open as the detour route for the duration of this project. At the conclusion of the project, the temporary bridge will be removed.

The project's aim is to increase visitor safety and re-establish continuity of the towpath that was breached during a large magnitude flash flood in May 2018.

The project will focus on the replacement of the previous bridge that spanned Culvert 82. No repairs to the historic culvert will be done as part of this project.

 

What is the P.L.A.N. ?

Purpose? [Why are we undertaking this project?]

To replace the pedestrian bridge over the remnants of Culvert 82 at Little Catoctin Creek in order to increase visitor safety and re-establish continuity of the C&O Canal towpath. 

Length? [When are we closing, and how long?]

The project is anticipated to begin late Fall 2023 and continue through Spring 2024, weather dependent. 

Alternative Activities? [What can I do instead?]

During construction, the interim low water crossing bridge that was placed in 2019 will be used to detour visitors around the project site.   

Throughout construction , you can still bike, walk, run, and fish along the towpath in all areas outside of the work zone. There are many sections of the towpath to be explored!  

Next Step? [What are the future benefits?]

The replacement of the Culvert 82 bridge will restore towpath continuity and improve safety for visitors by providing a more sustainable method of crossing Little Catoctin Creek. 

 

Culvert 82 Detour Map

NPS | Susannah Noppenberger, Park Engineer

 

CURRENT DETOURS AND CLOSURES

The towpath over Culvert 82 and Little Catoctin Creek (MM 52.51) is CLOSED. Above is a map showing the project area and the local detour that is in place. The detour diverts traffic from the towpath around the active bridge construction and across the temporary low water crossing bridge. Visitors are asked to follow the signage and dismount bicycles along this brief stretch.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is the need for the project?

The towpath at Culvert 82 over Little Catoctin Creek has been breached since May 2018 due to flash flooding. A temporary low water crossing bridge was installed by the National Park Service (NPS) in 2019. However, this bypass is frequently under water after heavy rains. This project is critical to ensure the safety of visitors and restore continued access to the towpath.

What does the project include?

The project consists of installing a new steel truss bridge with timber decking, placing two concrete abutments with micropiles, and replacing a drainage pipe. At the conclusion of the project, the temporary low water crossing bridge will be removed.

 

Temporary low water crossing at Little Catoctin Creek that detours visitors around the project site. This bridge will be removed at the completion of the project.

NPS | Stephanie Spencer

Where will the project take place?

This project will take place at Culvert 82 (mile 52.51), approximately 2.5 miles downstream from the Brunswick Boat Ramp. Access for construction along the towpath will be from the NPS gate near Brunswick, MD – downstream to the work area.

When will the project begin and end?

The project is anticipated to begin late Fall 2023 and continue through Spring 2024, weather dependent.

How will this project impact park visitors?

To facilitate the work, the towpath at Culvert 82 (mile 52.51) is CLOSED. A low water crossing is in place that will detour visitors around the project site.

How will this project benefit park visitors?

Once the project is complete, the new bridge will provide a safer method of crossing over Little Catoctin Creek.

How will this project impact natural and cultural resources?

Every project the NPS executes undergoes review by a multidisciplinary team to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other federal, state, and local laws.

What is the park doing to protect those resources during the project?

NPS resource protection experts, engineers, and the contractor’s team will be monitoring the bridge and towpath work in this area, along with contractor’s operations and visitor safety during the project with the goal of safely protecting the environment surrounding the project. Every project undertaken by the NPS is conducted in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other regulations.

How much does the project cost?

The contract for the replacement of the Culvert 82 Bridge was awarded in March 2023 for $1 million and was funded from the National Park Service’s Federal Lands Transportation Program.

Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the project?

Additional questions are to be directed to the park headquarters at 301-739-4200.

 

Existing remnants of the failed Culvert 82 and breach in the towpath above Little Catoctin Creek.

NPS | Joe Reed, Park Engineer