Roundabout Traffic Pattern Begins to Take Shape at Frederick County Intersection Next Week          
          
(May 15, 2009) – Next week, to improve roadway safety along US 15 in Point of Rocks, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will change the traffic pattern at the intersection of US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) and MD 464 (Point of Rocks Road). This traffic pattern change is part of the $3 million roundabout project in Frederick County.           
          
Motorists will travel through the intersection in a roundabout circle configuration and are advised to stay alert for the new traffic pattern. Variable message signs, barrels, and temporary signs will guide motorists through the new traffic pattern. This intersection carries approximately 17,000 vehicles per day. SHA’s roundabout project began in spring 2008 and will be completed this summer, weather permitting.          
          
SHA will begin the traffic pattern modifications between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The new traffic pattern will be in place no later than Tuesday, May 19, just prior to the afternoon commute. SHA will place concrete barrier walls in a circular pattern at the US 15/MD 464 intersection, allowing crews to start construction of the new roundabout and concrete islands at the approaches.           
          
As with the US 15/MD 464 project, the unique design of roundabouts improve safety at intersections by creating a one-way movement of traffic, removing the possibility of angle type collisions. Roundabouts also provide a traffic calming effect as motorists must slow down to enter the intersection. Motorists traveling through the roundabout have the right-of-way and motorists entering the roundabout are required to yield. At intersections in Maryland, crashes have declined by more than 70 percent where SHA has installed roundabouts. Additional, there has been a 100 percent reduction in fatal crashes. For roundabout driving tips, log onto www.marylandroads.com.           
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but include smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. Those who have questions about traffic operations on US 15, MD 464, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
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