HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 13, 2021) – The Washington County Division of Engineering is pleased to announce that Back Road in southern Washington County is now open to traffic, effective Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

 

County Administrator John Martirano said, “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this significant restoration project. This marks the final road reopening relating to the flooding event that occurred in Washington County in May 2018, and I want to thank the citizens for their patience and cooperation throughout this process.”  

 

The reopening follows severe flash flooding caused by strong thunderstorms which moved across southern Washington County in May 2018 bringing over 10-inches of rain to the area. Several roadways in south county suffered damage because of the flooding and were subsequently closed or had limited access until repairs could be made. Damage to Back Road was significant and included the destruction of approximately 500-feet of pavement, shoulder washout, culvert damage and debris piles, rendering the roadway impassable.

Director of the Division of Engineering, Scott Hobbs said, “We extend our sincere appreciation to the residents of South County for their patience and support during this final restoration project.”

 

Following collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Back Road repair and restoration project began in January 2020 and included debris and culvert removal, rebuilding and repairing the existing road, installing a new culvert, and providing streambank stabilization measures.

 

The Back Road reopening now finalizes the restoration and repair of all roadways in southern Washington County that were closed because of the May 2018 flooding incident.

 

For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].

 

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