Emergency Road Closure in Sudlersville Due to Culvert Bridge Failure
Queen Anne’s County Department of Public Works has announced the closure of Felton School Road in Sudlersville, between Stulltown Road and Route 300, due to the failure of a large diameter, three-cell culvert bridge over Andover Branch.
County Roads staff first noticed a small sinkhole in the roadway above the stream crossing and while initiating roadway repairs, one of the three culvert cells partially collapsed. There were no injuries, equipment damage, or impacts to the public resulting from the pipe failure.
The failed pipe cell was a steel asphalt-coated arch culvert approximately 11-feet wide by 7-feet high originally installed in 1983. All County bridges are inspected by certified professionals on a regular cycle in accordance with federal and state guidelines. Maintenance repairs are addressed as identified from these inspection reports as well as from more frequent checks by Roads maintenance staff. The Department of Public Works affirms that all open roads and bridges remain safe to the traveling public.
The County’s bridge inspection consultant will be evaluating the conditions and developing a recommendation for repair or replacement. Based on preliminary assessments and the large size of this three-cell culvert, the timing for completing repairs to reopen Felton School Road is unknow at this time.
A detour route has been established, and signage has been installed directing traffic to use Peters Corner Road and Stulltown Road.
Queen Anne’s County appreciates the public’s patience as we work to ensure the safety of residents and restore safe travel in the area. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.