By: Contech Engineered Solutions
Eaglehead Drive’s Long Journey Back
The corrugated steel plate bridge on Eaglehead Drive in New Market, Maryland, has faced decades of storms and setbacks. Built in 1972 as part of the dam construction for the 250-acre man-made Lake Linganore, the bridge connected key areas within Frederick County’s first planned unit development. The community embraced a vision of building in harmony with the land while preserving the natural environment.
That same year, Hurricane Agnes swept through and destroyed the newly built structure. Crews rebuilt it, but Hurricane David washed it out again in 1979. After that second loss, the route remained closed for more than four decades—until recent development plans brought it back into focus.
Why Eaglehead Drive Needed a New Corrugated Steel Plate Bridge
Redevelopment around Lake Linganore required a roadway connecting Boyers Mill Road to Route 144. This was a key condition for developing certain lots in the community. Planners explored several structure options for the crossing. Choices included a single-span concrete girder bridge, a twin-cell precast concrete arch, and a reinforced steel plate arch with long-span capability.
In 2005, a twin-cell long-span corrugated steel arch was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ease of construction in a tight, equipment-limited site. However, the project was shelved for over 15 years, awaiting the right time—and the right technology—to move forward.
Modern Design Brings New Opportunities
When the project returned to life in 2022, advances in deep-corrugation structural plate technology made it possible to improve the design. Engineers selected twin-cell single-radius arches with 15-inch by 5.5-inch corrugations. This updated corrugated steel plate bridge design allowed longer spans without additional reinforcing or special construction features.
Contech Engineered Solutions supplied the structure, delivering a bridge that met the project’s challenging site conditions while ensuring long-term durability.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
The build was not without obstacles. Crews faced constant groundwater issues throughout the project and made multiple plan changes to avoid existing utilities. Despite these hurdles, progress continued. The final design included substantial cast-in-place headwalls and wingwalls, all finished with decorative form-liner details for a polished look.
A Strong Finish for the Lake Linganore Community
By late 2024, the new corrugated steel plate bridge on Eaglehead Drive was open to traffic, restoring a roadway that had been gone for more than four decades. Elm Street Development, the project’s owner, called it “a huge success and turned out beautifully.” With its resilience, longevity, and thoughtful design, the bridge reconnects the community and stands ready for decades of service.
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