MORGANZA, Md. – Delegate Matt Morgan’s advocacy for traffic safety at the intersection of Rt. 242/Morganza Turner Road on Rt. 5 has borne fruit, as confirmed by a recent communication from the State Highway Administration (SHA). The SHA conducted a comprehensive evaluation in response to Morgan’s request during the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) briefing of the Draft Fiscal Year 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program.
In the letter shared by Morgan on Facebook, the SHA outlined the process undertaken to assess the need for signalization or other traffic management measures at the intersection. Utilizing criteria outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the evaluation considered various factors such as traffic volumes, accident history, roadway geometry, and existing traffic control devices. Observations were conducted during peak traffic hours to capture real-world operational challenges accurately.
The evaluation concluded that traffic signal control is indeed warranted at the intersection. Additionally, the installation of actuated cantilever Hazard Identification Beacons (HIBs) on MD 5 approaches was approved to enhance motorists’ awareness and safety.
“While a schedule has not yet been established, please be advised that new signal projects typically take 18 to 24 months to complete,” stated the SHA in the letter.
Recognizing the importance of signage in complementing traffic control measures, the SHA identified opportunities for improvement in this regard. Proposed enhancements include replacing existing stop signs with larger ones and adding “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” panels to improve intersection clarity. Moreover, updates to speed limit signage and intersection warnings are slated for implementation on MD 5 approaches.
A speed study conducted near the intersection revealed that a significant portion of motorists exceeds the posted speed limits. With the 85th percentile speeds measured at 48 MPH and 45 MPH for northbound and southbound directions respectively, proactive enforcement measures are deemed necessary.
“We will contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to share these findings and request they consider the area for future priority enforcement,” said the SHA.
Delegate Morgan told The BayNet, “This is a dangerous intersection, with some sightline issues. This is a major route to Chopticon High School. I’m hopeful that SHA will provide the solution to the challenges presented by the intersection.”
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I like how Morgan does business through Facebook. Very professional.
WE DON’T NEED A LIGHT! A better solution is to close off the road behind Keeping it Local. The speed limit is 30 mph for heavens sake. You want to create a traffic nuisance, cause cars to idle at a red light in the middle of nowhere (bad for the environment) and then cause more accidents when people run the yellow/red lights. Seriously?
Matt Morgan is a disgrace to his party for advocating for a big government solution to what’s an enforcement issue. The problem at that intersection is people not coming to full stops, not looking twice before pulling out, speeding, and cell phone usage. Sure, instead of upholding the law, we’ll just spend tax dollars on something that won’t fix the problem.
Remember the light at Wildewood and 4? There’s just as many accidents there with the light as there were before. This won’t be any different.
So the traffic light will stop drivers when a stop sign wouldn’t?
How about we add a camera to the light. A ticket with $$$/points will catch the stop light runners. Speed cameras will catch the speeders too.