Garrett County
Casselman River Bridge State Park
10240 National Pike
Grantsville MD 21536
Contact: 301-895-5453
E-mail New Germany State Park:
newgermany.statepark@maryland.gov
Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset
Alert: Casselman River Bridge State Park Temporarily Closed
Due to safety concerns, the Maryland Park Service has closed Casselman River Bridge in Grantsville, Garrett County. Fencing and signs have been installed to prevent public access to the bridge and surrounding area, including a small portion of the Casselman River.
The closure was put in place after the historic Casselman River Bridge was inspected by the Engineering and Construction unit of the Department of Natural Resources. Engineers noted cracking within the stonework, missing grout, and dislodged stones. The closure precedes a scheduled restoration and repair project that is expected to begin in 2024.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources was awarded a TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) SHA-Federal-Aid Grant to supplement funding to restore the Casselman River Bridge. These additional funds will help the Department to fulfil one of its mission statement objectives, which is to preserve the State’s historic resources.
This project will consist of the restoration and repair to the bridge structure, wall repairs, stone removal, and repair, repointing and pinning of the abutments/spandrels and barrel, epoxy injection of cracks in barrel stones, and repairs to a major portion of the roadway decking. The repairs are necessary to prevent failure of the bridge.
Casselman River is a popular location for fishing and is stocked by the Department of Natural Resources. Anglers can still access the river to fish at locations outside of the state park.
Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel, popular for picnicking, fly fishing and photography. When the 80-foot span was erected in 1813, it was the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the United States and served as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933. Although the bridge no longer carries vehicular traffic, it is open to pedestrians and is accessible for disabled visitors.
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