Existing Full-Color Signal to be Converted to Flashing Red on Monday, April 7th           
          
(April 4, 2008) – On or about Monday, April 7th, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will convert the existing full-color traffic signal at the intersection of MD 7D (West Main Street) at Landing Lane to a four-way stop condition with a Flashing Red Signal in all four directions. In addition, stop signs will be placed at all four approaches to remind motorists they must stop before entering the intersection.          
          
Variable message signs were be displayed on Monday, March 31 to warn motorists of the new traffic pattern.           
          
The signal will remain on flashing red until summer or fall of 2009, when it will be removed as part of a ¾ mile project to resurface and improve West Main Street between MD 213 and the western end of the road. The stop signs will remain in place. Upon completion of the resurfacing and safety project along West Main Street in summer/fall 2009, the town of Elkton will assume maintenance of MD 7D (West Main Street).          
          
The conversion to a four-way stop and ultimate removal of the signal will result in less delay at the intersection. In general, traffic signals, when warranted: improve the orderly movement of traffic; interrupt heavy traffic at intervals to allow pedestrian and side street traffic to cross or enter the main street traffic stream; increase the traffic-handling capability of the intersection; and can reduce the frequency of certain types of crashes.          
          
However, if a traffic signal is not warranted, as is the case with the current signal along West Main Street at Landing Lane, excessive delay occurs to all traffic movements including those the signal may have been installed to help and unnecessary frustration for motorists can result in disobedience of the traffic signal.          
          
SHA coordinated this work with Elkton Mayor Joseph Fisona, Town Administrator Lewis George and the Commissioners of the Town of Elkton.           
          
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