US 219 bridge in Somerset County reopens ahead of schedule after flood damage
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. — Less than two weeks after floodwaters damaged a 102-year-old bridge over Piney Creek, U.S. 219 in Somerset County has reopened, well ahead of PennDOT's original early June estimate.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation completed installation of a temporary structure and reopened the highway north of Salisbury by noon Saturday. The bridge was closed May 14 after heavy rain and flooding destroyed its upstream center pier, cutting off a route used daily by roughly 4,700 vehicles.
The bridge, part of the Mason-Dixon Highway, connects U.S. 219 to Interstate 68 in Maryland, serving as a vital link for commercial and emergency vehicles.
PennDOT officials visited the site May 16 and immediately launched a plan to restore traffic. By May 22 and 23, a temporary structure was installed. Final paving, guiderail, and line painting were completed on May 24.
The reopening lifts detours and restores key infrastructure for local communities, businesses, and travelers.
Officials say PennDOT is currently developing a timeline for constructing a permanent replacement bridge.
PennDOT encourages motorists to 'Know Before They Go' by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com, downloading the 511 Android or iPhone app, or by calling 5-1-1.
511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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