The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration announced plans to install a new safety signal at a Montgomery County intersection where two people were killed last year.
The agency said they would also install a new traffic signal at an intersection in Prince George’s County. The new signals are designed to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists at the two locations.
A new flashing light will go in at MD 586 (Veirs Mill Road) and Turkey Branch Parkway (Matthew Hanson Trail) in Montgomery County. A full-color traffic signal with pedestrian countdown/accessible signals will be installed at MD 214 (Central Avenue) at the Addison Road Metrorail Station in Prince George’s County.
“Pedestrians and bicyclists make up one-fifth of the 500 traffic fatalities in Maryland every year, which is disproportionate when compared to how much we drive,” said SHA Administrator Gregory Slater. “SHA is continually seeking engineering solutions to help protect our most vulnerable travelers and influence behavior to enhance safety.”
There is no date for the installation of the safety devices. Frank Towers and Beza Amare Eshetu died in 2016 while walking along Viers Mill Road.
