In 2025-2026, The Town of Berlin and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) explored where a potential bicycle and pedestrian bridge could be located along intersections at US 113, at either MD 346 (Old Ocean City Boulevard), MD 376 (Bay Street) or MD 818 (South Main Street/Germantown Road.)

The goal of the bridge would be to improve access and safety for Berlin residents and visitors crossing at these major intersections. The western edge of the bridge alignments would connect to a Worcester County planned project to turn an abandoned rail line into a recreational trail.

This study was funded by a “Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods” grant (RCN) from the US Department of Transportation and included a feasibility study for a future pedestrian and bicycle bridge, not a construction plan. The Town was given free technical assistance by The Reconnecting Communities Institute.

Overall, the study and community engagement efforts resulted in recommendations that reduced speeds, intersection improvements, and a shared use path along US 113 would be a more preferable and utilized outcome to connect neighbors to Berlin’s assets on both sides of US 113.

In the Fall of 2026, Mayor Zack was invited to join the Lieutenant Governor’s Safer Maryland Coalition and he will continue to lift up bike and pedestrian safety across and along US 113 as a top priority for the residents of Berlin. The coalition is a cross-sector initiative launched to reduce roadway fatalities and promote safer driving behaviors across the state.

Materials related to Phase One of Berlin’s RCN Grant: 

9.2026: Presentation – Summary of Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods Grant, work completed in Phase 1 and plans for Phase 2

REVIEW THE ONLINE SURVEY(CLOSED)

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Public engagement sessions took place in February 2026 – for more information about what was discussed and reviewed, please watch this video.

PowerPoint Presented to Mayor and Council, September 2026

Please email MayorZack@berlinmd.gov if you have any suggestions or want to be involved in the community engagement around Bike and Pedestrian Safety in Berlin.