http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/1218souROUTE29.html

More changes coming to make Howard crossover safer

By Josh Kowalkowski
Examiner Staff Writer 12/17/08

The addition of a traffic signal at a Howard County crossover where a teenager died this summer is expected to make the interchange "even safer," said David Buck, spokesman for the State Highway Administration.

"A new signaled interchange is certainly one of the most dramatic improvements you can make," he said about the signal that will be installed along southbound Route 29 at the crossover to access the northbound Route 29 ramp to westbound Interstate 70.

Northbound Route 29 drivers will need to wait for a left-turn green arrow signal before proceeding across the southbound lanes and onto I-70.

The project also will involve installing two flashing yellow beacons along the southbound lanes of Route 29, south of Route 99, before the new signal, as well as signs indicating "signal ahead," along northbound Route 29 next to the left-turn lane, officials said.

Construction will begin this week, but the traffic signal is not expected be installed for several weeks, Buck said.

The Ellicott City community rallied for changes after Andrew Noel, 19, of Ellicott City, died near the site in July. Robert Neil Mecklenburg, 79, of Columbia, was charged with failure to yield the right of way and negligent driving when he used the left-turn crossover to westbound I-70.

The $1,030 in fines haven't been paid, and the case is scheduled for trial, according to court records.

Residents, led by Noel's mother, Valerie Noel, presented state transportation officials with a 6,000-signature petition at a meeting in September.

Residents have continually said that turning left from northbound Route 29 to westbound I-70 is treacherous because motorists must cross the fast-moving southbound traffic.

Noel responded to the upcoming safety enhancements with this statement to TheExaminer:

"I am pleased that the state of Maryland has responded to the outrage expressed by over 6,000 residents of Howard County and surrounding areas via personal phone calls, letters and e-mails to officials ...

"As a citizenry, we must hold our local and state officials accountable to the goal of improved highway safety."

She credited state Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-Howard and Carroll, some Howard County Council members and others for showing an interest in the community's concerns and helping to bring about change.

"This is another example of [Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration] listening to local government concerns and then partnering with us to find solutions," said County Executive Ken Ulman in a statement.

Just before the petition was delivered, construction crews installed rumble strips in the southbound lanes of Route 29 and replaced a yield sign with a stop sign along northbound Route 29 at the crossover to access I-70.

The entire project is expected to cost $114,000 and be completed by March, state officials said.