Bollman Bridge to Undergo $130K in Renovations

From Howard County Dept Of Recreation and Parks: County Executive Allan H. Kittleman on Monday announced plans for the Department of Recreation and Parks to spend approximately $130,000 to renovate the historic Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge in Savage. The project to update the 174 ft. double-span truss bridge involves a new coat of paint, which the County intends to begin as early as May and is expected to take several weeks.

“As one of our unique historic sites in the county, it is important to keep the bridge maintained so it will be here for many Christmas lightings and special events in the future,” said Kittleman. “It has been more than a decade since the bridge was painted and the community has asked that we spruce it up.”

During the renovation, the Department of Public Works also will coordinate any necessary repairs to ensure the safety of the bridge. The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks originally restored the bridge in 1983 as part of Savage Park to serve as a pedestrian nd bicycle crossing. The bridge has been a National Historic Landmark since 2000 when it was also rededicated as a symbol of county heritage and pride.

“The Savage Community is delighted that the historic Bollman Bridge is slated to be painted and repaired,” said Susan Garber, Board Chair of the Savage Community Association. “This last of its kind structure is not just the physical gateway to our town but symbolizes the town's role in the Industrial Revolution. It is indeed a structure worthy of being maintained for future generations.”

"I have been a strong advocate for this project for some time,” said County Councilmember Jen Terrasa, who represents Savage. “I am thrilled the County is undertaking the renovation of this community treasure."

The Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge is one of the oldest standing iron railroad bridges in the United States and is named for its engineer, Wendel Bollman. Built for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1869, it was moved to its current location to span the Little Patuxent River at the Savage Mill spur in 1887. The bridge serviced the Savage Mill until it ceased operations in 1947. It is protected by a Preservation and Maintenance Agreement with the Maryland Historical Trust.

Image Via Pixabay