Description
This intersection desperately needs a traffic light or stop signs.
In addition to the traffic volume addressed by the prior traffic study, the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices allows other considerations when determining whether to install a stop sign.
Per the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD):
Section 2B.07 Multi-Way Stop Applications:
Option:
05
Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include:
A. The need to control left-turn conflicts;
B. The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes;
C. Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop; and
D. An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector
(through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.
Items A and C (and arguably D) are particularly relevant to this intersection.
Item A: When cars are stopped on both sides of the intersection , each trying to make a left turn or cross the road, the turns are treacherous and require the two drivers to make eye contact and communicate from across the road to avoid an accident.
Item C: This is the most compelling reason of all. This is a high speed intersection with a posted speed limit of 40MPH (and most vehicles traveling faster than that). Due to road curvature visibility is very limited making entering this intersection very dangerous. The MUTCD explicitly allows 4 way stop signs to be installed for this reason.
This is a high speed busy intersection near neighborhoods with many children and young drivers, and is nearby a school where several schoolbuses pass. The county has the opportunity to save lives with the simple installation of stop signs, and the MUTCD allows it to do so for the reasons above. The residents implore you to help.
Thank you.
also asked...
A. Install Traffic Calming
15 Comments
DPW HWYS Ricky F (Verified Official)
Todd (Registered User)
Nicholas Vogelsang (Registered User)
DPW HWYS Ricky F (Verified Official)
Acknowledged DPW Traffic Diane B (Verified Official)
An anonymous SeeClickFix user (Registered User)
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration also offers other solutions to problematic intersections.
Per their website:
"Alternatives to a traffic signal can include:
Improving the line of sight along the intersection approaches ***
Installing flashing signals (beacons)
Adding turn lanes
Constructing curbs and pedestrian safety islands
Revising traffic controls, measures, and regulations
Installing/revising traffic signing and marking
Rerouting crossing traffic to safer locations
Retiming nearby signals
Installing intersection lighting
Constructing a roundabout ***
Making other roadway improvements"
Between these options and the 4 way stop allowed by the MUTCD there should be several options available to the County to improve the safety of this intersection if they do not wish to install a traffic light.
Nicholas Vogelsang (Registered User)
Nicholas Vogelsang (Registered User)
Nicholas Vogelsang (Registered User)
Todd (Registered User)
An anonymous SeeClickFix user (Registered User)
Horrible to see a predictable and preventable accident at this very dangerous intersection.
Here is a photo showing just how limited your visibility is around the bend. You can only see a few feet around the curve as cars come by at 40-50 MPH, giving you no opportunity to react.
The constant confusion over right-of-way also creates lot of confusion and dangerous turns.
More accidents and an eventual tragedy are inevitable if the county does not act.
Nicholas Vogelsang (Registered User)
DPW Traffic Diane B (Verified Official)
When considering the possibility of a traffic signal or multi-way stop control at a given location, the County is required to follow the guidelines set forth in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD, a Federal Highway Administration document that is used nationally and adopted by Maryland and its jurisdictions, outlines minimum requirements to ensure that traffic signals and multi-way stop conditions are used where they are found to be justified through a comprehensive and objective analysis. A traffic signal warrant analysis was performed on October 13, 2015 for the intersection of Marshalee Drive at Deborah Jean Drive and Montgomery Road, and none of the nine warrants were met per the federal guidelines for the installation of a traffic signal.
A follow-up Multi-Way Stop Warrant Study was conducted for the intersection of Marshalee Drive at Deborah Jean Drive and Montgomery Road. Using the same traffic counts used for the signal warrant analysis, and police reported accident history, a 4 - Way stop condition is not warranted.
A 13 hour volume count will be collected to be included in further warrant analysis once school resumes in the fall.
Fabio (Registered User)
Buck B (Registered User)
This issue has been marked as a duplicate of issue 5767530.
If you are already receiving notifications regarding this issue,
you will now receive updates regarding issue 5767530.