(April 9, 2008) – Beginning in early May 2008, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will restrict traffic along Riva Road at MD 214 (Central Avenue) to right turns only during peak hours. The restrictions will prohibit left turns from Riva Road onto MD 214 eastbound and will prohibit through traffic from Riva Road to the gas station between the hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.          
          
The restrictions will improve safety and reduce congestion by eliminating unsafe turning movements at the intersection during peak commuter times. Average annual daily traffic on this section of MD 214 exceeds 19,000 with the heaviest volumes occurring during peak drive times.           
          
SHA conducted a traffic analysis at this intersection and determined that the flashing Intersection Control Beacon (ICB) currently in place is sufficient for traffic operations. SHA will install signs at the intersection indicating the restrictions, and Anne Arundel County will install a sign along Riva Road directing traffic to Beards Point Road, where an existing traffic signal regulates access to MD 214 east of Riva Road.          
          
Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 214 or other State-numbered highways in Anne Arundel County may call SHA’s District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603.          
          
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