Flashing Lights at NCR Intersections!

Recently the following was posted to NextDoor and was shared with me by our BBC Club President, Nabil Ali. This is great news for those of us who use the NCR trail, and while a timeline has not been provided for completion of the approved change, it nevertheless is a step in the right direction towards making the needed safety improvements that will hopefully result in the increased safety for all who use the trail crossings.
In August 2023, Julie Klein-Whitmore was struck and killed when she was crossing MD Route 138, as reported in this WBAL story. In 2021, another WBAL story reported on the crash at the intersection of Paper Mill Road and the NCR that killed a 77-year -old experienced cyclist.

Thanks,
Nigel

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May 4, 2024

Good News! Approval came for Paper Mill Road several months ago for flashing lights at the NCR trail. Now Monkton Road as well! Of course no idea when we will see these come to fruition, but at least they are approved!

Dear Mrs. Rozics,

We are writing in follow-up to your request, regarding traffic safety along MD 138 (Monkton Road) at the NCR Trail Crossing in Baltimore County. Our investigation is complete, and we would like to share the findings and recommendations with you.

This location was reviewed by our traffic engineering staff. The review included a field visit, review of the latest crash history, traffic and pedestrian counts, and a review of existing traffic control devices including signs, pavement markings, and advanced warning signs. This area is equipped with a paved pedestrian crosswalk, PED XING pavement markings, an advance warning sign for a trail crossing 300 feet and 350 feet ahead for both lanes, an advanced warning sign reminding drivers of the "State Law: Stop for Pedestrians," and Hiker Biker Trail Crossing sign, all of which are in good condition and meet current SHA standards.

In addition to the current traffic control devices, we are installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the crosswalks in both the east and westbound directions. The RRFB consists of flashing yellow rectangular LEDs that are activated by a pedestrian push button to increase driver awareness of pedestrian and cyclist crossings. This has been approved by the Office of Traffic and Safety (OOTS) that means it’s design has been initiated. At this time, we have not been given a timeframe for the completion of this project.

Thank you again for sharing your concern. If you have any additional questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact me at Smohammadi@mdot.maryland.gov.

Sincerely,

Sanaz Mohammadi

Transportation Engineer

District 4 – Traffic

410.229.2387 office

smohammadi@mdot.maryland.gov

Maryland State Highway Administration

320 W. Warren Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030