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Historic Western Md. Bridge Closed To Visitors

GRANTSVILLE, Md. (AP) -- A nearly 200-year-old bridge spanning the Casselman River in western Maryland has been closed indefinitely for repairs.

The Cumberland Times News reports that parts of a stone wall have crumbled and fallen from the Casselman River Bridge near Grantsville. The damage was discovered Tuesday.

The bridge was part of the National Road until a modern span on U.S. 40 was completed in the early 1930s. The stone arch is now the centerpiece of Casselman River Bridge State Park.

The bridge is no longer used for vehicle traffic but has long served as a footbridge for picnickers and anglers. People also are barred from walking under the bridge.

The Maryland Park Service says it hopes to repair the bridge quickly but the agency has no timetable for the project.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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