Canal Place connects pedestrian, bicycle, rail, and automobile traffic to one central historic location. The park is located on the grounds of the C&O Canal, and reaches the Western Maryland Railway Station and the historic neighborhoods of Cumberland, MD. TE awards helped develop pedestrian paths, landscaping, and the redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Western Maryland Railway Station. Canal Place is part of a network of trails that will eventually cover 203 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C.

FHWA TE Project: Oakland, MD

B&O Railroad Station

TE award: $653,763
Other funds: $657,384
Total cost: $1,311,147

The Queen Anne style B&O Railroad Station in Oakland, Maryland, was built in 1884 with ornate molded brickwork, a circular tower and slate fish-scale shingles. The station was left to weather the elements when regular passenger stops were discontinued in 1971.

Realizing the station's potential benefits, the mayor and local community groups raised funds to purchase the building from the CSX Railroad. After receiving a TE award, the station was quickly returned to its original glory. Today, the restored depot serves as the centerpiece of the city's downtown district, having stimulated significant economic benefits and restored the community's pride.

Guided tours are now offered on weekends; during the week the station hosts various community meetings. With assistance from preservation and community development resources, Oakland built a community park and pavilion just outside the station. Period lighting and brick sidewalks enhance the depot and the downtown's historic qualities. A three-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail links the depot with two low-income communities, thus including everyone in the city's revitalization.

U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington D.C. 20590 Phone: 202-366-4000 Privacy Policy


Office of the Secretary of Transportation