(October 9, 2014) – As part of the joint plan to improve pedestrian safety in College Park, the State Highway Administration (SHA) and the University of Maryland (UMD) announce that two major pedestrian safety improvements are complete.  SHA constructed and installed a flashing pedestrian signal at the US1 and Hartwick Road intersection and erected a fence in the median on US1 between Hartwick and Knox roads.

Today, State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters and UMD Chief of Police David B. Mitchell were joined by Prince George’s County Councilman Eric Olson, City of College Park Councilmember and Mayor Protem Denise C. Mitchell, District 3 Councilman Robert Day, UMD Student Government Association member Cole Holocker, Community Representative John Rigg, residents, business owners and students to officially activate the signal at a ceremony.

After a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, technicians activated the signal to flash mode. When someone presses the pedestrian crossing button, after a few moments, all vehicular traffic will stop at red signals, allowing safe pedestrian crossing. Students demonstrated how the new signal works and were the first to “stop traffic” at the intersection.

 

 

“The safety and well-being of our students remains a top priority for the University of Maryland,” said Wallace D. Loh, UMD president.  “Today’s installation of a new pedestrian signal represents one more tool in our ongoing and vigilant effort to improve pedestrian safety in and around our campus.  I applaud SHA for their accelerated and diligent work on this critical issue.”

Administrator Peters said, “SHA expedited the design and construction of the signal and fence to have them in place during the fall semester. The Walk Smart College Park! educational outreach continues and we need the students to help spread the word to make safe choices, on and off campus.”

Similar to the signals along US1 and Fraternity Row and Paint Branch Parkway, the flashing signal will turn to solid red in all directions to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to safely cross the intersection when activated by a pedestrian.  When not in use for pedestrian crossings, it will flash yellow to vehicular traffic on US1 and flash red to Hartwick Road traffic.

Crews recently installed a black fence in the US1 median between Knox and Hartwick roads. The fence is designed to keep pedestrians safe by preventing them from crossing mid-block (jaywalking) and directing them to a safer crossing point.

“Pedestrian safety is critical in downtown College Park and throughout all of our communities,” said Prince George’s Councilman Eric Olson. “This new pedestrian light enhances walkability and I am glad for the State Highway Administration's cooperation.”

SHA, in partnership with the University of Maryland, the City of College Park and the University of Maryland and Prince George’s County Police, continue the Walk Smart College Park! Campaign in an effort to reduce pedestrian crashes, injuries and fatalities.  The campaign incorporates a comprehensive educational outreach effort with engineering and safety improvements.

City of College Park Mayor Andrew Fellows is optimistic about the effect of the improvements and stated that, “Pedestrian safety is critical in downtown and this collaboration will make College Park a safer town for students and residents.”

“The activation of this signal provides another tool to citizens, including students, to safely cross Route 1,” said Mr. Holocker. “These safety improvements go hand-in-hand with smart crossing decisions students should be making: crossing in marked crosswalks, looking for traffic before crossing, and obeying pedestrian crossing signals.”

The Walk Smart College Park! message is reinforced both on and off campus through the following efforts:

•Student outreach using “street teams” at on-campus events including “Protect Your Shell” and the “First Look Fair” as well as pedestrian outreach on campus and along US1.

•On-campus messaging in residence halls.

•Print and digital media advertising in The Diamondback, the University’s campus newspaper.

•Byrd Stadium: LED in-bowl, exit signage and in-game PSAs during all home football games

•Transit advertising on UMD Shuttle buses.

 

To complete the circle of cooperation for the town, the college and the state, SHA is also coordinating with the UMD Police and the City of College Park and is in partnership with local tavern owners along the US1 corridor to support the Walk Smart College Park! efforts.  Posters, banners, floor decals, coasters and table tent cards are being used by many of the businesses in the corridor to promote the message.

 

SHA previously lowered the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph, refreshed crosswalks, upgraded pedestrian indicators with numeric remaining cross time displays, and various other signage enhancements. UMD and County Police increased enforcement and dedicated forces to be present Thursdays through Saturday nights.

 

For more information on the enhancements for pedestrian safety within College Park, go to SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov.