New Crosswalk/Pedestrian Signal at Waverley Drive Will Improve Safety and Access to Shopping Areas along the “Golden Mile”
 

(April 16, 2010) – Earlier this year, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a project to improve pedestrian safety at the US 40 (W. Patrick Street) / US 40 Alternate (Old National Pike) intersection with Waverley Drive.  Located just west of the Frederick Towne Mall, SHA is completing the $112,000 safety improvement project with funding courtesy of the City of Frederick.  SHA anticipates completing the project by the end of this month, weather permitting.

SHA has completed the following pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection:

• Installed a new pedestrian crosswalk at the US 40/US 40 Alternate/Waverley Drive intersection across eastbound and westbound US 40 and the eastbound US 40 Alternate ramp to eastbound US 40;
• Upgraded the existing traffic signal on US 40 at Waverley Drive with accessible pedestrian (APS) and countdown signals to assist those crossing
Waverley Drive;
• Installed new sidewalk in the median separating eastbound US 40 and US 40 Alternate, new sidewalk is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

SHA will complete the remaining safety improvements by the end of April:

• Activate a newly installed traffic signal on the US 40 Alternate ramp to eastbound US 40 at the US 40/Waverley Drive intersection.  The traffic signal will only operate when triggered by a pedestrian and includes countdown APS technology;
• Install a signal warning sign on US 40 Alternate west of the traffic signal.  Lights will flash when the signal is red, alerting motorists to prepare to stop.   

“SHA thanks the City of Frederick for their generosity in funding this important project to improve pedestrian safety along US 40,” said David Coyne SHA District 7 Engineer.  “Improving safety for motorists and pedestrians is our top priority.”

SHA awarded the contract to Rommel Engineering and Construction of Odenton.  Those who have questions about traffic operations along US 40, US 40 Alternate or other state numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office in Frederick at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. 

SHA reminds pedestrians to only cross the street at intersections and use cross walks, never cross a road mid block.  Motorists are reminded to watch for pedestrians and that pedestrians have the right of way.  Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

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