(August 19, 2010) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) recently completed improvements that enhance school access and safety at MD 636 (Warrior Drive) in Cresaptown, Allegany County.
SHA installed a new dedicated right-turn lane to direct traffic from southbound US 220 to westbound MD 636. The right turn lane has been separated from through traffic and motorists must now yield to approaching traffic and pedestrians. The new right-turn only lane from the gym to MD 636 will reduce potential conflict points for drivers and pedestrians and removes the exclusive “green” signal time.
A new pedestrian crosswalk on the westbound leg of MD 636 was also installed. The crosswalk provides improved safety and access for elementary students who attend activities at the Calvary Christian Academy Gym which is located just west of the US 220 / MD 636 intersection.
In addition to the pedestrian improvements, vehicular access to the school parking lot was also enhanced. Remaining work includes construction of a new retaining wall along Warrior Run (a wall structure which holds back rock and soil and prevents erosion) for additional stabilization to an adjacent slope which supports the school parking lot. The intersection improvements are part of the $4.2 million Cresaptown Streetscape project which is expected to be completed later this year, weather permitting.
SHA awarded the overall contract to Carl Belt Inc. of Cumberland. Customers who have questions about traffic operations on US 220, MD 636, or other State numbered routes in Allegany County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.
Maryland State Highway Administration urges motorists to be prepared and exercise caution as the back to school season brings an increase in traffic on area roadways. Allow more time for commutes and be sure to watch your speed. On average, 300 Maryland children are injured every year during school arrival and dismissal times. Remember that State law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and school buses loading and unloading children. Parents are reminded to review the rules of the road with children and make sure they understand how to use crosswalks, look left, right, left before crossing and safely get on and off the school bus. Learn more about roadway safety basics at
www.choosesafetyforlife.com SHA reminds pedestrians and motorists to Choose Safety For Life by remembering and practicing these tips:
Tips for Pedestrians when Walking or Biking to School:
• Develop a safe route to school with your parents.
• Choose the quickest route with the fewest street crossings.
• The correct way to cross the street is to: Always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing. Continue looking in this manner until you are able to cross safely.
• If vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, pedestrians should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles -- then stop, and look left-right-left again.
• Use intersections with crossing guards and/or crosswalks.
• Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard.
• Never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.
• Walk your bike through intersections.
• Walk with a buddy.
• Wear reflective material...it makes you more visible to street traffic.
General Safety Tips for Motorists:
• Maryland’s law states that motorists must stop for pedestrians in front of all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked. Unmarked crosswalks exist at most intersections, even if there are no obvious markings.
• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
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