By Bob Lassahn

As an element in The Courier's focus on Route113 and Route 589 (Racetrack Road) the issue of Internet based mapping programs entered the picture. It was discovered that programs such as Yahoo Maps, Google Maps and Mapquest are routing southbound travelers on Route 113 onto Route 589 when bound for destinations in the southern portions of Ocean City and in West Ocean City.

Ignoring the alternative of continuing a bit farther south and using a cloverleaf interchange to access Route 50, traffic is instead sent across a 4.6 mile stretch of heavily trafficked, two lane local road, complete with five traffic signals. Possibly the shortest route between two points in terms of mileage, in terms of efficiency the route might not make sense. Almost certainly in terms of time and fuel consumption traveling across Racetrack Road is the least preferred option.

The mapping programs are doing exactly what their creators intended, picking the shortest route between two points as entered by the user. The directions will inevitably guide the traveler to the desired destination, but the selected roads just might not be the best possible choices and if the traveler is not familiar with the area the route could go unquestioned.

Whether this anomaly in Internet mapping programs is actually impacting on local traffic and to what extent is obviously subject to debate, it certainly raises questions. Provided free of charge and convenient to access, mapping programs are becoming increasingly popular with travelers. This begs the question; does the State Highway Administration (SHA) even consider the issue in their evaluation and planning processes?

This situation could be a factor as decisions are made regarding potential improvements to Route 589. Assumptions that increased traffic volumes are based primarily upon local usage by residents traveling to commercial centers, etc. may be flawed. A shortcut that was once the purview of the local is being broadcast far and wide.

Since significant roadway improvements are likely years away strategies to deter through traffic on Route 589, perhaps with signage alerting travelers such as; "Best access to U.S. 50 East - continue on U.S. 113" might be beneficial. Influencing travelers to use the major highways and deterring their integration with local traffic to the greatest extent could be part of an overall strategy in avoiding virtual gridlock on the road during the tourist season.

But the road must also be improved and a master plan for MD 589 is essential to sound decision making as this area of the county grows. While the completed construction of a dual lane (or otherwise improved) roadway for Route 589 between Route 113 and Route 50 may be years away, the planning process for the entire 4.6 mile distance needs to begin.