New Traffic Signal at Ballenger Creek Pike Will Improve Safety           
          
(January 23, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will early next week activate a new traffic signal along MD 351 (Ballenger Creek Pike) at Hanover Drive in Frederick County. This new signal will improve vehicular and pedestrian safety.          
          
SHA will place the traffic signal on “flash mode” on Thursday, January 24, which is done to familiarize motorists with the new traffic signal. On or about Tuesday, January 29, SHA will switch the signal to full color operation. Variable message signs will also be placed at all approaches to the intersection to alert motorists of the new traffic signal.           
          
The new $136,000 traffic signal system features pedestrian “countdown” technology, which numerically displays the amount of time for pedestrians to cross the road. Other safety improvements accompanying the traffic signal installation include new crosswalks along Hanover Drive and Ballenger Creek Pike.           
          
SHA encourages motorists to stay alert for the new signal along MD 351. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 351 or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
          
          
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