Community Corner

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Waugh Chapel-Riedel Road 'Michigan U-Turn" to Start Tuesday 9 p.m.

A new traffic pattern takes effect tonight on MD 3 at Waugh Chapel / Riedel Roads in Crofton. Changeover to "Michigan U-Turn" scheduled to start at 9 p.m.; drivers are advised to remain alert for workers

FROM THE MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

(October 18, 2011) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds drivers that the second of two “Michigan U-Turn” configurations along MD 3 in Crofton is scheduled to open tonight, October 18, weather permitting.

Crews will temporarily discontinue power to the existing signals at the MD 3 (Crain Highway) intersection with Waugh Chapel Road/Riedel Road beginning at 9 p.m. Work will continue  through early Wednesday morning to complete the modification.

During this time, the median on MD 3 between Riedel and Waugh Chapel roads will be closed to traffic, allowing workers to prepare several new traffic signals for operation.  Motorists who normally would use the median to make turns or continue across MD 3 should proceed to the next intersection where they can safely make a U-turn.

These traffic improvements are designed and funded by Greenberg-Gibbons Commercial of Owings Mills as part of the South Village at Waugh Chapel mixed-use development project along MD 3 in Crofton.  SHA will monitor and inspect all work affecting MD 3 to ensure compliance with appropriate federal and state highway and safety standards.

Known nationally as a “Michigan U-Turn” the unique design allows for left or right turns beyond the cross street to a turning movement in the median.  It helps to improve traffic flow at heavily traveled intersections by redirecting motorists beyond the intersection, forcing a turn (in a U-shaped pattern) then proceeding safely to the other side of the roadway.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don't follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones.  For everyone.

Avoid construction lane closures – use MD 511!  Maryland now features free traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit: www.md511.org.  Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.


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