LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A proposed redesign of a busy section of Route 235 in St. Mary’s County is drawing attention from local leaders as state transportation officials study potential pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along the corridor.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is evaluating changes along MD 235, also known as Three Notch Road, between Chancellor’s Run Road and Great Mills Road as part of the state’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan.
Among the concepts under consideration is removing the southbound dedicated right-turn lane along the corridor and converting the space into a shared path for walking, running, and bicycling. Under the concept, right turns would instead be made from the right travel lane rather than a separate turn lane.
State transportation officials say the study is aimed at reducing crashes and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining vehicle mobility on the heavily traveled roadway.
The proposal has prompted questions from local officials concerned about how removing the turn lane could affect traffic flow along one of the county’s busiest commercial corridors.
St. Mary’s County Commissioner Eric Colvin said he has concerns about the potential impacts.
“I’m not a traffic engineer, but I’m skeptical that this would reduce accidents on 235,” Colvin said.
Colvin said St. Mary’s County Government is closely monitoring the proposal and providing feedback to the state. He also noted that the county’s state delegation is engaged in discussions on the issue, adding that he recently spoke with Delegate Todd Morgan about the proposal.
Transportation officials emphasize that the project is still in the planning phase and that community feedback will help guide future design decisions.
MDOT SHA has scheduled a public informational workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 12 at Great Mills High School, where residents will be able to review project details, ask questions and provide feedback.
The Route 235 study is part of Maryland’s broader Vision Zero initiative, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the state by improving roadway safety and access for all users.
Additional information about the project is available on the MDOT SHA project page at:
https://mdot-sha-md235-md246-to-md-237-sm124b21-maryland.hub.arcgis.com/
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Isn’t there already a sidewalk the whole stretch? A bit pointless to even have sidewalks if they aren’t even being used now. This is going to cause even more congestion and I think even more crashes to happen, especially rear end collisions. Horrible, horrible idea.
Better consider that economic engine called Pax River.
This is unbelievably dumb and short sighted. Did someone who does not live or work in St Mary’s come up with this? That is the literal busiest strip of 235, chancellors run down to gates 1 & 2 of PAX River. That silly little naval base that employs 25,000 people. Also who the **** is this even appealing too?!? “converting the space into a shared path for walking, running, and bicycling” Barely anyone does this, especially a long the particular strip they’re talking about. Sure there are cycling clubs but they ride everywhere and on 235 they’ll go from the bottom of the county all the way north into Charles county so this little strip doesn’t do much for them. Aside from that the general public is not regularly walking along 235 like it’s some park. If they want to make a walking path then add it to the new FDR blvd that also travels the same direction as 235 but isn’t our busiest & largest highway.
@Anonymous,
Couldn’t agree more! This stretch of Three Notch Rd ALREADY HAS separated sidewalk (on BOTH sides)! Eliminating the dedicated turn/ (AND merge!) lane WILL cause more accidents, as well as increase traffic congestion.
It’s not rocket science… it’s reality. Whomever has brought this idea forward should be questioned (at length!) as to how they honestly believe this will ‘help’ rather than hinder traffic and safety. I’m glad Commissioner Colvin is questioning this. At least somebody is looking out for the better interest of our county.
I think a better idea to reduce traffic and accidents is to convert all the left turn signals to allow “Left turn yield on flashing yellow” instead of forces an entire traffic light cycle to turn left.
Turn & merge lane is used as a travel lane now. The must exit at the next intersection sign is a joke.