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Catoctin Creek Culvert Replacement
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Andrew from Pittsburgh on 6/4/2024 2:14:12 PM:
Does anyone know the status of the Catoctin Creek culvert replacement? The second link shows an actual new bridge. I have bittersweet feelings about the replacement. The first year I rode from Pittsburgh to DC was the year that the culvert washed out, so I have always had to cross the creek. The first year was from rock to rock, and then on the low bridge every summer since. :)

I also wished that they had had the funding to rebuild it in the original style of the culvert, but I understand why that was probably not feasible.

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/replace-culvert-82-bridge.htm
https://www.reddit.com/r/towpath/comments/1cfmhxf/replacement_bridge_north_of_point_of_rocks/
 
Luchs from Harpers Ferry on 6/4/2024 7:50:35 PM:
When I rode by about 2 weeks ago the new bride framing was up and they were starting on the deck.
 
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 6/5/2024 8:43:02 PM:
Huh, I do not remember it being anything special. Wasn't it just a little wooden bridge? As a local I probably ignore a lot of interesting things since I see them all the time. ;)
 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 6/6/2024 2:14:17 PM:
That second link appears to be that “temporary low footbridge” that’s been there the last few years since the collapse of the original bridge. If they have begun repair of the original bridge as Lucas notes, that’s good news. It had been reported earlier that that repair work would begin in the Fall of 2023.
 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 6/7/2024 5:12:51 AM:
That second link appears to be that “temporary low footbridge” that’s been there the last few years since the collapse of the original bridge. If they have begun repair of the original bridge as Lucas notes, that’s good news. It had been reported earlier that that repair work would begin in the Fall of 2023.
 
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 6/9/2024 5:34:48 PM:
Yes, they've definitely been working on getting a bridge up. I haven't been through there in awhile as the heavy equipment was chewing up the trail surface. I'm curious so I'll see about going over there this week.
 
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 6/10/2024 11:57:14 AM:
I went ahead out at lunch today to look. On the way I could tell they had smoothed out the tow path surface from the gate at brunswick all the way to the bridge. The RVs tear it up and there was a bunch of additional damage from the heavy machinery. There is a metal bridge up. It's got stacks of wood on it that I assume will be the floor. No work was happening today.

I don't know if I can post links but I took some pics:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/g6TELapJYnvCwpMd7

1 is of the bridge from the side, the next just shows the machines sitting, and then a pic of the bridge where you can see the stacks of wood.
 
Mark S. from Redford Twp., Mi on 6/10/2024 3:32:52 PM:
So the answer is I can cross this culvert in July? The weather here in Michigan has been quite cool. It looks like riding from Pittsburgh to D.C. could be comfortable. I'm a roadie that thrives on hot weather cycling. But loaded with panniers and such means a relief is helpful from scorching temps.
 
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 6/10/2024 5:38:05 PM:
I just realized the bridge hasn't changed since that reddit link above was posted. I had the impression things have been sitting still for awhile but I'd forgotten about the picture in that thread. So, my news and pics were of no interest. ;)

Mark, unless there's a big storm that washes out the low bridge it's no problem to go through there.
 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 6/10/2024 5:42:15 PM:
WKR

Thanks for that info and photographs. Looks like they are well underway. Not that the temporary low bridge/walkway is onerous but it will be nice to have the towpath itself restored.
 
Mark S. from Redford Twp., Mi on 6/10/2024 6:39:44 PM:
Thank you WKR. Will be departing 8 July, on my birthday. No greater way to celebrate it than a gap/co tour.
 
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 6/11/2024 9:00:58 AM:
The low bridge actually can be onerous for inexperienced cyclists who choose not to dismount. I witnessed someone ride onto the bridge, put on his brakes while on top of the bridge where there's also some loose gravel, and go down hard since the gravel on wood might as well be ice. Destroyed his helmet and rang his bell pretty good.

It's no problem riding across the bridge even while loaded as long as you stay off the brakes.
 
Straus Guide 80 from Thornton, CO on 6/28/2024 9:02:58 PM:
As of Tues, 6/25 when I rode through southbound, the wooden decking of the new bridge appeared to be complete. The fill on either side, final grading, approach railings and signing still needs to be done.
The bigger challenge was bit further down the towpath with a huge tree that fell across the trail. It was about 3 ft in diameter.
 
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 7/18/2024 8:14:22 PM:
My wife just showed me something on facebook indicating that the bridge is open. I'll have to head over there soon to see it for myself.
 
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