MDOT to host workshop on pedestrian safety initiatives in Essex on Oct. 1

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration will host a public informational workshop from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 1 to provide information and receive feedback on proposals to improve pedestrian access and safety along MD 150 (Eastern Boulevard) between MD 700 (Martin Boulevard) and MD 702 (Southeast Freeway) in Essex.

The workshop will be held at Stembridge Community Center, 99 Stemmers Run Road in Essex.

The MD 150 corridor between MD 700 and MD 702 is planned for safety improvements as part of SHA’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which identifies areas of need and prioritizes corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.

At the informational workshop, State Highway Administration staff will be available to discuss project-specific details. There will be no formal presentation. Attendees may arrive at any time during workshop to view displays, ask questions and provide feedback. Materials also will be posted on the MD 150 Project Portal Page.

A Spanish-language interpreter will be available at the meeting to assist with communication and respond to questions.

Those requiring assistance to participate in the workshop, such as those seeking an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, may email SHATitleVI@mdot.maryland.gov in advance of the event. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1.

Questions about the informational workshop or general inquiries may be directed to State Highway Administration Senior Safety Officer Joseph Moges at jmoges@mdot.maryland.gov, or Community Relations Manager Holly Pearl at Hpearl@mdot.maryland.gov.

The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan was published May 2023, and five initial corridors were announced for improvements late last year. Along with MD 150, the other corridors highlighted were MD 410 (East-West Highway) in Prince George’s County; MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties; US 1 (Washington Boulevard) in Howard County; and MD 2 (Ritchie Highway) in Anne Arundel County.

“Working with community residents, officials and other stakeholders, the State Highway Administration is developing strategies to enhance safety for all roadway users along these corridors by increasing safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists,” MDOT officials said.

“The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is a key component of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Policy, which prioritizes safe, reliable, equitable and sustainable travel across all modes to make roads safer and connect Marylanders to jobs, education and economic opportunity.”

Projects under the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan also support Maryland’s Vision Zero goal, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on state roadways by 2030.