To: Maryland State Highway Administration (District 6), Allegany County Department of Public Works, and the Owners of LaVale Plaza

We, the undersigned, call upon all responsible parties — the Maryland State Highway Administration, Allegany County, and LaVale Plaza ownership — to work together and immediately restore safe access to the plaza and neighborhood behind 1313 National Highway.

Since May, the main bridge entrance to the business plaza and surrounding neighborhood at 1313 National Highway has been unusable due to flood damage. The main entrance, Six Mile Road, which leads back to a residential neighborhood, has been cut off.

Currently, the only access point is the small east-side bridge, originally designed for one-way inbound traffic. It has since become the sole entrance and exit for the entire plaza and neighborhood.

Responsibilities are clear:

• LaVale Plaza Ownership: Responsible for repairing and reopening the main bridge entrance at Six Mile Road, which has been out since May. Also responsible for resurfacing the plaza parking lot, which is now dangerous due to severe potholes.
• Maryland State Highway (District 6): Responsible for managing traffic safety on National Highway (US 40 ALT), including installing a temporary traffic light at the east-side entrance/exit until the bridge is restored.
• Allegany County: Responsible for supporting coordination and ensuring community safety during this extended outage.

Impacts on Our Community

• Safety hazard: Drivers exiting must cross four lanes of fast-moving National Highway traffic, putting everyone at risk.
  Residential access blocked: Families who live behind the plaza have lost their safe, intended entrance/exit and must use a dangerous alternative route daily.
• Business losses: Shops and services in the plaza have seen a decline in customers due to unsafe and inconvenient access.
• Emergency response delays: Police, fire, and ambulance services could face serious delays reaching both businesses and residents. 
• Neglected infrastructure: The plaza parking lot is riddled with large potholes, further endangering vehicles and visitors.

Our Request:

We respectfully demand:

• Install a temporary traffic light at the east-side entrance/exit to provide safe crossing onto National Highway. (State Highway responsibility)
• Prioritize immediate repair and reopening of the main bridge at Six Mile Road. (LaVale Plaza ownership)
• Resurfacing of the plaza parking lot to eliminate the dangerous potholes that worsen access and vehicle manage (LaVale Plaza ownership).
• Communicate a clear timelines for bridge restoration, lot repair and provide regular public updates on progress, from all parties. 

Why This Cannot Wait

This issue has gone unresolved for months, despite being fully within the county’s responsibility. Both businesses and residents are suffering daily risks and disruptions due to lack of safe infrastructure. Further delays endanger lives and livelihoods.

By signing this petition, we demand that Allegany County act now to restore safe, reliable access for the businesses and families who depend on the bridge at 1313 National Highway.