State Proposes Changes to Route 235
Maryland’s Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration will hold a public information session at Great Mills High School for review of their proposal to alter the southbound right turn lane along Route 235, starting at Chancellor’s Run Road.
The project is part of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP), “which identifies areas of need and prioritizes corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects” according to the project’s website. PSAP uses a “context driven” approach “based on the concept that our streets should be designed for safety in a way that supports the land uses that surround them.”
Across the state, MDOT has identified urban and suburban activity centers, or “contexts.” Data was collected regarding traffic safety, accidents, pedestrian and bicycle access, then mapped to find problem areas. The area of MD 235 from Chancellors Run to Great Mills Road is a Suburban Activity Center with a surrounding land use of low and medium density mixed uses according to MDOT’s report.
More than 550 vehicle accidents occurred in the project area between 2018 and 2023. Of those accidents, seven involved pedestrians and another seven involved bicyclists. MDOT has collected feedback expressing concerns about drivers speeding, running red lights, and pedestrians/cyclists feeling unsafe. A lack of pedestrian signals at certain crossings, and the need to cross six lanes of traffic, have contributed to challenges. There is also concern that narrowing traffic lanes and eliminating the turn lane could add to traffic congestion.
Currently, the southbound right turn lane stretches from Chancellor’s Run Road to Pegg Road. From Pegg to Great Mills Road, drivers already make right turns from the right travel lane.
Maps provided by MDOT, which will also be available at the public information session, display project plans. The proposal shows areas where the turn lane could be adapted into a pedestrian/bicycle friendly travel lane with a dedicated path. A grass strip would buffer the path from the vehicle traffic lanes.
A shortened right turn lane will still remain at strategic intersections according to the proposal. Beginning at Chancellors Run, a slightly shorter deceleration lane will permit drivers to pull out of travel lanes and turn into Sheetz. Further down, a shortened turn lane at MacArthur Boulevard will provide access to the Patuxent Crossing Shopping Center. Right turn lanes will also still be available at Buck Hewitt Road, Lexington Village Way, Exploration Drive, and Pegg Road.
From Pegg Road to Great Mills Road, the sidewalk will be redone to fit the proposal, but the third travel lane will remain, as will the street parking along 235 between Shangri-La Drive and Great Mills Road.
Sidewalk and crosswalk improvements will be made along the northbound stretch of 235 as well.
Local residents are encouraged to attend the information session at Great Mills High School on March 12th, from 5-7pm, and view the plans, ask questions, and generally provide input.
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