(June 7, 2012)  On Thursday, June 14, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will add new stop signs for traffic on MD 56 (Big Pool Road) at the intersection with Ashton Road, south of Clear Spring in Washington County.

Together with the existing stop signs on Ashton Road, the new stop signs will create a four-way stop for improved safety at the intersection. This will give motorists more protection from vehicles approaching from the west on MD 56, where a hill west of the intersection limits visibility.

In addition to the stop signs, SHA will install “stop ahead” warning signs about 450 feet in advance of the intersection. These permanent signs will be marked with red flags for the first four weeks to alert motorists to the change.

Portable Variable Message Signs will also be in place on MD 56 in the week leading up to the change and the first week following the change.

Motorists on MD 56 and Ashton Road are urged to use caution approaching and proceeding through the intersection, particularly over the coming weeks as area drivers get used to the new four-way stop. Remember that as with all four-way stops in Maryland, the vehicle that arrives first may proceed through the intersection first. If more than one vehicle arrives at the stop signs at the same time, you must yield to the vehicle to your right. That motorist proceeds first.

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information!  Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org  for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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