New Signal, Advanced Warning Signs and Intersection Improvements will Enhance Safety 

(Thursday, June 2, 2016) --- To enhance safety, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will install a new traffic signal at the US 50 and Sixty Foot Road intersection, in eastern Wicomico County, just west of MD 354 (Powellville Road).

In response to requests from the local community, SHA studied the intersection to determine if a signal or other changes would enhance safety. SHA traffic engineers analyzed a variety of factors including sight distance, pedestrian activity, crash history, proximity to schools, daily traffic counts, turning movements, physical geometry of the intersection and seasonal impacts.  

SHA engineers determined that a signal, along with turn lanes and additional signs, will improve traffic flow and safety through the intersection.   SHA announced the decision at a meeting with local elected officials and citizens at the Pittsville Fire Department last night. 

“As engineers, our job is to thoroughly research, analyze and study data and use engineering judgment to identify safety improvements for our highways,” said District Engineer Donnie Drewer. “While we considered other options, we determined installing a traffic signal along with advanced warning signs and new separated turn lanes will create a safer intersection at this busy section of US 50.”

The project is not funded for construction although a timeline to construct the new traffic signal and associated improvements will be available by late summer.  Approximately 25,000 vehicles travel this section of US 50 each day.