Berlin studies three potential pedestrian and bicycle bridge alignments over US 113

A presenter for the Town of Berlin described a USDOT‑funded feasibility study that evaluated three possible pedestrian and bicycle bridge alignments to cross US 113 and improve local walking and biking connections.

The presentation—given as a virtual open house and described as the online equivalent of February 2026 in‑person engagement sessions—said the town and the Maryland State Highway Administration considered alignments at US 113 with MD 346 (Old Ocean City Boulevard), MD 376 (Bay Street) and MD 818 (Germantown Road/South Main Street). "This virtual open house will provide the same information that was shared at those in person open houses," the presenter said. The presenter also said Mayor Zach Tindall opened the in‑person sessions.

Why it matters: the study is intended to identify the alignment that would most benefit pedestrians and cyclists by improving access to parks, commercial areas and other public assets. The presenter emphasized the work is a feasibility study—not a construction plan—and said study concepts could be used as potential alignments if the town or state later pursues construction. Any future project would be subject to federal and state rules including the National Environmental Policy Act.

Study approach and constraints: the team used desktop research, an in‑depth site visit with town staff and modeling to compare alternatives. They assessed factors such as adjacent land uses, where ramps could be placed to serve users, how alignments would increase access to public assets, existing sidewalk coverage and utility locations. The presenter said in‑person engagement and analysis revealed gaps in sidewalk connections at all three study intersections and that a tunnel option was ruled out because of the local water table and because tunneling is outside the scope of the USDOT grant.

What each alignment showed: at MD 346 (Old Ocean City Boulevard) the proposed alignment would include crosswalks to move across the intersection but lacks a crosswalk to access the strip by Food Lion East, and there is no sidewalk on the south side of MD 346 at that location. The MD 376 (Bay Street) alignment would run north from the Bay Street/US 113 intersection through Henry Park to Flower Street; presenters noted nearby residential and commercial uses, including a Dollar General, and said that intersection currently has no crosswalks. The MD 818 (Germantown Road/South Main Street) alignment was described with nearby uses including Roadie Joe's, county sports fields and churches.

Public input and next steps: the presentation urged residents to complete an eight‑question anonymous survey (berlinmd.gov/reconnecting-communities-and-neighborhoods) to inform which bridge location would best serve the community; the survey is open through Friday, March 27, 2026, and takes about five minutes. The presenter said the study will also generate recommendations for possible policy changes or funding avenues to improve safety and connectivity at the study areas and across town.

The presenter closed by thanking viewers. The study team and the Maryland State Highway Administration are expected to use survey results and the technical analysis to recommend potential alignments; no construction decision or funding commitment was announced.