STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG US 1 IN COLLEGE PARK

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MDOT SHA Logo


(August 20, 2014) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) continues to enhance safety along US 1 (Baltimore Avenue) from Guilford Road/Guilford Drive to Berwyn Road in College Park as University of Maryland students arrive for the start of the new school year. Crews are placing concrete footers that will support a fence between Knox Road and Hartwick Road to deter mid-block pedestrian crossings on US 1. Weather permitting, the installation of the fence should be complete by early September. To complete the installation of the fence, crews are permitted to close a single lane in both directions of US 1, weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Last month, SHA lowered the speed limits along US 1 from 30 to 25 miles per hour from Guilford Road/Guilford Drive to Berwyn Road. Additionally, with the signal timing changes in the corridor, motorists need to allow extra time to travel through College Park on US 1.  The summer months showed minimal impact to traffic, but as school starts and summer ends, the traffic volumes increase and more time will be needed to travel through the corridor.

SHA is also working on a pedestrian-activated signal that will stop traffic in all directions at the intersection of US 1 and Hartwick Road. During installation of the signal poles and utilities, pedestrians will need to stay clear of the construction area.  SHA plans to activate the signal by late October.

“Temporary sidewalk closures will be necessary to complete the installation of these new safety measures,” said Brian Young, SHA District 3 Engineer. “When traveling near a closed section of sidewalk, pedestrians should pay attention and look for the color orange—the color of construction signs, fencing, barrels and cones—which sometimes means safely crossing to the opposite side of Baltimore Avenue to avoid work zones.”

As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!

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