–photo courtesy of Federal Highway Administration-
The Maryland State Highway Administration has approved safety improvements at Harford Road and 5th Avenue in Carney.
Senator Carl Jackson, Delegates Nick Allen, Harry Bhandari, and Kim Ross and Baltimore County Councilman David Marks wrote to the Maryland State Highway Administration this spring requesting a review of safety concerns along this busy corridor.
As a result of the review, the intersection of Harford Road at 5th Avenue has been approved for the replacement of the existing flashing beacon with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB).
A PHB uses a sequence of traffic signal indications that require motorists to stop when activated, providing pedestrians with a safer and more controlled opportunity to cross the roadway.
The PHB will also be coordinated with the nearby traffic signal at Harford Road and Joppa Road.
As part of this project, the eastbound left turn from 5th Avenue onto northbound Harford Road will be restricted to reduce potential conflicts between turning vehicles and pedestrians, further improving pedestrian safety.
“We appreciate the state’s response and look forward to these changes,” Senator Jackson commented.
“As a local resident, I am particularly glad the Maryland State Highway Administration is taking action,”
Delegate Allen added. “This is the type of bipartisan work across government that makes positive change.”
Marks thanked his colleagues and the swift attention of the Maryland State Highway Administration.
“Traffic safety is one of the most important issues facing local communities,” he said.
