SHA FORGING AHEAD ON OCEAN CITY SAFETY PROJECTS

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

(March 20, 2014) – With the start of spring, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is moving forward with several traffic safety projects along Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Md.  The engineering efforts are part of a comprehensive pedestrian safety improvement plan developed in partnership with the Town of Ocean City.

“SHA is a member of the Ocean City Pedestrian Safety Task Force, which emphasizes the three E’s – Engineering, Education, Enforcement - to enhance traffic safety,” said District Engineer Donnie Drewer. “SHA is again partnering with police, business owners and elected officials to ensure vacationers and residents are safe as they enjoy the resort town.”

SHA will make numerous engineering enhancements this spring listed below.

New Mid-Block Pedestrian Signal and Crosswalk on Coastal Highway at 54th Street:

This winter SHA installed an $81,000 mid-block pedestrian traffic signal on Coastal Highway at 54th Street.  When pedestrians activate the signal by pressing the “walk” button on either side of Coastal Highway, the signal facing vehicular traffic on Coastal Highway will turn yellow, then red to stop traffic, allowing a safe gap for pedestrians to use the crosswalk. Pedestrians will see an electronic countdown walk display to alert them of the number of seconds remaining to cross Coastal Highway. After the pedestrian crossing time passes, the signal will display a green light to traffic.  Technicians placed the signal on yellow flash mode on Wednesday and it will be fully functional Friday, March 21 at approximately noon.

Removal of Depressed Curbs and Wooden Posts in the Median along Coastal Highway:

This spring, SHA will remove small wooden posts (see picture below/next page) along Coastal Highway at:  53rd, 54th, 55th, 57th, 58th, 60th, 75th, 76th, 79th and 100th streets, Old Landing Road, White Harbor Road, Old Wharf Road, 112th, Newport Bay Road, 119th, 121st, 122nd, 125th, 126th, 129th, 138th, 140th because pedestrians are placing themselves in harm’s way by crossing at these locations.  By raising the curb to full height and removing the wooden posts, SHA is encouraging pedestrians to cross at marked crosswalks.  This project is expected to begin early to mid-April and the majority of the work will be complete before the Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.
 

 
Installation of Bump-Outs on Baltimore Avenue (MD 378) south of 15th Street:

“Bump-outs” are a commonly used traffic-control device to narrow the width of a road at pedestrian crossings.  Also called curb extensions, SHA will install bump outs along MD 378 (Baltimore Avenue) at 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th streets to increase pedestrian safety and slow traffic speeds. Additionally, bump-outs will widen the sidewalk, giving pedestrians a shorter walk across the street and increasing the safety for all users of Baltimore Avenue.   The installation of the bump-outs is expected to begin early to mid-April and most of the work should be complete prior to the Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.  Due to the extended winter, any work not completed before Memorial Day will occur after Labor Day.

SHA’s OCWalkSmart! education and outreach campaign will continue later this spring. The successful campaign featuring a lifeguard crab reinforces the pedestrian and bicyclist safety message through billboards, bus, plane and boat banners and radio and television public service announcements.  Visit www.ocwalksmart.com for more information.

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