State transportation officials, the president of the University of Maryland, and a local city councilmember agree: a barrier on the median of Route 1 in College Park is the way to curtail a tragic rash of pedestrian deaths on the corridor.
Jamie Forzato reports that the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has announced plans to improve pedestrian safety along Route 1 near the University of Maryland, where three pedestrians have been killed this year.
The primary changes under consideration: a median barrier, speed limit reduction, and light synchronization.
"University of Maryland President Wallace Loh recommended SHA, which owns and maintains the highway, approve a median barrier along Route 1 from Knox Road to Guilford Road -- a three-block stretch that is home to several popular bars and restaurants that get a high level of foot traffic on weekend nights."
Resistance to the idea so far arises from concerns that the barrier might be unsightly.
The jury is still out on the speed limit reduction, at least from the state's standpoint. "Officials also want the speed limit reduced from 30 to 25 miles per hour. WTOP has learned the state has completed a speed limit study of the area, but hasn't released the results yet."
FULL STORY: Big changes coming to Route 1 in College Park
Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects
The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.
Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety
Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.
How the ‘Direct Vision’ Design Approach Saves Lives
Designing large trucks to ensure better visibility for drivers can reduce fatal crashes and improve workplace safety.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions