(May 20, 2013) – To enhance safety for Lower Eastern Shore travelers, the State Highway Administration (SHA) recently installed a traffic signal at the US 113 (Worcester Highway)/MD 12 (Snow Hill Road) intersection.  SHA will activate the signal to be fully functional with red-yellow-green phases on Wednesday, May 22, weather permitting. 

“I appreciate the will of the citizens, Worcester County Commissioners and SHA for understanding the urgent need for this traffic signal, which will save lives and reduce injuries to motorists,” said Senator Jim Mathias.  “The new traffic signal underscores the importance of working together as a team to accomplish big goals.”

“The citizens of Snow Hill and surrounding areas are very thankful for the new traffic signal at the intersection,” said Worcester County Commissioner Virgil Shockley.  “Hopefully this will create a safe condition at the US 113/MD 12 intersection.”

SHA, elected officials and community members met late-last year to discuss several options to address safety concerns at the US113/MD 12 intersection. SHA presented several options including “J-Turns,” which restrict side street traffic from traveling straight across a median.  After a careful review, traffic analysis of intersection operations and consideration of truck volume, SHA engineers concluded that a traffic signal was the best option to enhance motorist safety.

“We are proud of the partnership with our community leaders and elected officials to move this project forward,” said Donnie Drewer, SHA District Engineer.  “Safety is SHA’s number-one priority – converting the existing flashing beacon to a full-color traffic signal is a tremendous step forward in improving safety along US 113 in Snow Hill.  We also need drivers to do their part and obey all basic rules of the road.”

SHA will place the new traffic signal on flash (flashing yellow for US 113 and flashing red for MD 12) on Tuesday, May 21 for 24 hours. Crews installed permanent advanced warning signs with flashing beacons on the US 113 approaches to MD 12.  These signs will alert motorists when the signal is about to turn red and provides drivers a chance to slow down approaching the intersection.  SHA placed temporary dynamic message signs earlier this week to alert motorists of the new traffic signal.  Approximately 8,000 vehicles travel the US 113/MD 12 intersection each day.  SHA awarded the contract to Thompson Electric of Aberdeen.

 

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