(May 7, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) recently began constructing a new traffic signal at MD 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) and Stanford Street, just north of Bradley Boulevard (MD 191) in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area of Montgomery County.

Last fall, at the request of local residents, SHA engineers evaluated the intersection and determined a full traffic signal would improve traffic flow and enhance safety for pedestrians and the more than 40,500 motorists who travel through the intersection daily.  As part of any traffic signal study, engineers evaluate and analyze sight distance, crash patterns, proximity to schools, intersection delay, pedestrian activity, peak-hour volumes and other factors.

As part of the project, SHA will install the new signal system which includes Audible Pedestrian Signals (APS) for visually impaired pedestrians, Countdown Pedestrian Signals (CPS) to alert people of the remaining time to safely cross either MD 355 or Stanford Street and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.

During work this spring and early summer, crews may close a single lane during off-peak daytime hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Motorists should plan extra travel time during these hours. Weather permitting the $185,000 signal and associated improvements will be complete mid-summer.  SHA’s contractor is Scott A. Duncan, Inc. of Harmans, MD.

The spring and summer construction season is getting into high gear. For a statewide listing of most SHA projects, click here for e-Road Ready 2015.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down. Everyone is at risk.

In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.