Maryland Route 495

Maryland Route 495
Maryland Route 495 highlighted in red
Route information
Maintained by MDSHA
Length:	23.02 mi (37.05 km)
Existed:	1933 – present
Tourist routes:	Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway
Major junctions
South end:	MD 135 in Altamont
	I-68 / US 40 / US 219 in Grantsville
North end:	US 40 Alt. in Grantsville
Location
Counties:	Garrett
Highway system
Maryland highway system Interstate US State Scenic Byways ← I-495 MD 496 →

Maryland Route 495 (MD 495) is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for most of its length as Bittinger Road, the state highway runs 23.02 miles (37.05 km) from MD 135 in Altamont north to U.S. Route 40 Alternate (US 40 Alt) in Grantsville. MD 495 passes through rural areas of central Garrett County, connecting Bittinger with the northern and southern parts of the county. The state highway also provides an alternate route to US 219 between Interstate 68 (I-68) and resorts around Deep Creek Lake. MD 495 was constructed from both ends starting in the mid-1930s. By the late 1940s, the state highway was complete except for a 5 miles (8.0 km) gap south of Bittinger; this gap was filled in the mid-1950s. The southern terminus of MD 495 was extended to Altamont in 1956.

MD 495 begins at an intersection with MD 135 (Maryland Highway) in Altamont. The state highway heads northeast as two-lane Swanton Road through the valley of the North Branch of Crabtree Creek. MD 495 crosses the creek a few times before the highway enters the village of Swanton. At the intersection with Swanton Road, the state highway turns north onto Bittinger Road, crosses the creek for the last time, and leaves Swanton. MD 495 crosses Hickory Ridge and enters the watershed of Deep Creek Lake. The state highway crosses several streams that flow into the lake, including Green Glade Run and North Glade Run, and intersects several roads that serve the east side of the lake, including Glendale Road, which heads west to US 219 at Thayerville. After New Germany Road splits to the northeast toward New Germany State Park, MD 495 crosses Meadow Mountain. The state highway passes Rock Lodge Road before heading through the unincorporated village of Bittinger. Near Jennings, MD 495 descends into the valley of the South Branch of the Casselman River between the old alignment, Baker Road, and a brick factory. The state highway crosses the North Branch of the river at the community of Casselman and follows the Casselman River north, crossing Spiker Run and Shade Run. MD 495 leaves the river valley, ascending a hill and reaching a diamond interchange with I-68 (National Freeway), which is concurrent with US 40 and US 219. The state highway enters the town of Grantsville, where its name is Yoder Street, and meets its northern terminus at US 40 Alternate (Main Street).