(August 17, 2012) –The State Highway Administration (SHA) is evaluating traffic patterns at the MD 268 (North Street)/High Street intersection in Elkton.  The evaluation will begin on Tuesday, August 21 at 10 a.m. when crews convert the full color signal to an all-way, all-red flashing mode. 

“The signal will flash red for one month, allowing SHA engineers to evaluate traffic flow and operations,” said SHA District 2 Engineer Terry Wright.  “We will measure traffic delays and safety through the intersection and if the flow of traffic meets expectations, the traffic signal will be removed by fall. Crews will then change the intersection to a four-way stop.”

Removal of the MD 268/High Street intersection signal was prompted by a requirement of the Maryland Broadband Initiative, a federally funded program that will provide high speed internet access to Elkton this year.  SHA currently uses a wooden utility pole owned by Verizon to provide the traffic signal at the High Street and MD 268 (North Street) intersection.  SHA is required to remove the traffic signal from the utility pole to allow installation of the high speed internet service.

“If it is determined a traffic signal is needed at the High Street and North Street intersection after the 30-day test period,  SHA will  design a new traffic signal configuration to be installed at a later time,” added Wright.

Beginning August 21, SHA will begin placing stop signs on all approaches to the High Street and MD 268 (North Street) intersection and eliminate the right turn lanes on High Street with temporary flex posts. SHA is immediately placing variable message boards at all intersections and removing the existing lane markings on High Street.

Citizens who have questions about this project or other projects along State maintained routes in Cecil County may call the SHA District 2 Office at 410-778-3061 or 1-800-637-9740. Inquiries may also be submitted through SHA’s website www.roads.maryland.gov.

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