01/24/2007

Accidents prompt intersection safety review
By Dolores E. Pike

Since the recent opening of the redesigned intersection of routes 113 and 12, there have been three accidents, documented by police reports, according to Donnie Drewer, district engineer for the State Highway Administration (SHA).

The concern of all parties interested in solving the latest problem in the ongoing saga of the dualization of Route 113 brought about a meeting earlier this month to evaluate the situation.  On hand were Mr. Drewer, Worcester County Sheriff Charles Martin, commissioners James Purnell and Virgil Shockley, Bob Hulburd and the Maryland State Police.  In order to more fully understand the problems involved, the group spent a mid-morning, weekday hour at the site observing the flow of traffic.

In addition to the learning curve, associated with any redesigned roadway, both Mr. Drewer and Mr. Hulburd were in agreement that two contributing factors in the relatively high number of accidents are speed and an obstructed view, as reported by some motorists.  This latter included the old "flashing light" pole that had not been removed because SHA had to wait for Delmarva Power to remove the electric box before SHA could remove the pole.  Another obstructed view complaint concerned the height of the guard rails. 

Since the meeting several steps have been taken by the SHA in view of the number of accidents according to Mr. Drewer. The light pole has been removed.  Yield signs have been set in place and rumble strips are going to be installed on both north and south lanes of Route 113 to alert motorists approaching the intersection.  The SHA is also doing a traffic count of the number of vehicles going through the intersection to help determine if a traffic signal at the site is warranted. 

"There are a combination of things that have been happening here.  One thing might not help but if you do a combination of things it might have more of an impact.  We are working to alleviate the safety concerns," said Mr. Drewer.

In the opinion of  Mr. Hulburd, the moving force behind CRASH (County Residents Action for Safer Highways), the footprint of the intersection is too narrow albeit built in compliance with environmental considerations, specifically wetlands.  But he said, "The state is out there listening and trying to make changes," adding that he is concerned that what the intersection really needs is an overpass.  He concedes that it is a very emotional issue for a lot of people because of all the accidents over time that have happened there. 

Mr. Hulburd hopes that the situation currently being reviewed by the SHA will foster a learning experience in dealing with future problems as the dualization of Route 113 continues.  "Sometimes everything looks better on paper," he continued referring to the design work.

The next meeting of all parties to review the situation of the intersection of routes 113 and 12 is scheduled 30 days after the first meeting or for early February.  According to Mr. Drewer, "We're hoping to get the info sooner than 30 days so that I can make a report to the county commissioners."


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