New Traffic Signal Will Improve Safety along MD 32           
          
(January 23, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will activate a new traffic signal along MD 32 (Sykesville Road) at Freedom Avenue in Carroll County on Friday, January 25 after the morning rush hour. The new signal will improve vehicular and pedestrian safety.          
          
SHA placed the signal on “flash mode” on Wednesday, January 23 and will switch to full color operation on Friday, January 25. Variable message signs are positioned at all approaches to the intersection to alert motorists of the new traffic signal. SHA also revised the traffic pattern from south of Johnsville Road to north of Main Street in early January. A center left-turn lane was provided just north of Johnsville Road that becomes a dedicated left-turn lane at the new traffic signal and a separate left-turn lane is provided at the Main Street intersection.          
          
SHA worked closely on this project with the Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department. As an added benefit the new traffic signal will also give the fire department “preemption” which stops all traffic along MD 32, allowing the emergency vehicle immediate access to MD 32.          
          
The new $105,000 traffic signal was constructed by Scott A. Duncan, Inc. of Grasonville, MD. SHA encourages motorists to stay alert for the new signal along MD 32. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 32 or other State numbered routes in Carroll County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office toll free at 1-800-635-5119.