OLDTOWN, Md. (AP) — Bicyclists and hikers in western Maryland will soon have an easier time getting across the Potomac River into Paw Paw, West Virginia.

The State Highway Administration and the National Park Service are adding a bicycle and pedestrian path along Maryland Route 51 leading up to the bridge.

Bicyclists and hikers often detour from the C&O Canal Towpath to cross over into West Virginia. State Highway Administration engineers say the winding, two-lane road leading to the bridge is not especially friendly to people on foot or on bikes.

The new path is about one-third of a mile long and is being built as part of a resurfacing project on Route 51, known as Oldtown Road. It will cost about $350,000 and is scheduled to be completed in October.

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