Controversy Surrounds Future of Historic Boyds Bridge

Controversy Surrounds Future of Historic Boyds Bridge

There are well over 600,000 bridges in the United States, with many of them barely remarkable to cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians passing over and under them.

However, plans to modify, replace, or altogether close them frequently cause controversy. Such is the case on Schaeffer Road in Boyds, where a bridge built in 1925 now has an uncertain future.

The 39-foot-long one lane bridge carries Schaeffer Road traffic over Little Seneca Creek, just west of the much newer Schaeffer Farms Trail crossing.

The existing historic bridge is in fact eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Maryland Historical Trust. (Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties: 18-47).

As this single-span bridge has aged significantly, it is in need of substantial maintenance and repairs.

Schaeffer Road through Boyds is one of Montgomery County’s designated Rustic Roads. This designation is reserved for low-volume, primarily rural, roads that “reflect the agricultural character and rural origins of the County”, according to the Montgomery County Planning Department.

The Boyds Historical Society has recently learned that the County currently plans to replace not rehabilitate this historic bridge. A replacement bridge would not only have historical implications but also significant traffic and trail safety implications.

The advocacy group Action Committee for Transit points out that replacing this bridge may in fact directly conflict with the County’s ‘Vision Zero’ plan to eliminate severe and fatal vehicle crashes.

The narrow bridge serves as a traffic calming measure, making the Rustic Road and its Trail Crossing safer and much more accommodating for bicyclists and pedestrians travelling along Schaeffer Road as well as crossing Schaeffer Road exploring the Schaeffer Farms Trails. A wider replacement bridge would only increase vehicle speeds approaching and passing the trail crossing.

Designs or plans of any proposed replacement bridges have not yet been publicly released. It remains unclear if the replacement decision is final or if there is still potential to rehabilitate this historic bridge.

The bridge is not the Schaeffer Road’s only piece of history: in 1865, Germantown resident George Atzerodt, one of John Wilkes Booth’s co-conspirators who plotted to assassinate both President Abraham Lincoln and Vice President Andrew Johnson, was arrested at a farm along Schaeffer Road. Atzerodt was given a gun and assigned by Booth and other conspirators to kill the Vice President; though Atzerodt did not follow through, he was still arrested and ultimately hanged with other conspirators.

Feature Photo Courtesy of the Boyds Historical Society.

 

 

 

Recent Stories

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonio Thompson, 29, of no fixed address, for stolen auto, theft from auto and 1st degree…

A Rottweiler puppy has been reunited with its owner after a good samaritan found the dog in a dumpster near her Silver Spring apartment on Thursday morning.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Friday, March 29, Ride On Route 76 (Shady Grove/Poolesville) will no longer serve The Crossvines Golf Course as a termination point…

According to Montgomery County Police, the coyote that attacked two people on Thursday, March 28, was located along a trail near Dustin Rd in Burtonsville. It was shot and killed…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list