UPDATE: Traffic light and turn lanes approved for Route 50 at Sixty Foot Road

An intersection in Wicomico County that has been the center of many crashes, and a heated debate over traffic lights, will now apparently be getting a signal. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration says that they will be installing a new traffic light at the intersection of Route 50 and Sixty Foot Road, in Pittsville. The intersection is just west of MD 354 – Powellville Road.

The SHA says the signal comes in response to requests from the community, they studied the intersection to see if a signal, or other changes with improve safety of the area. A variety of factors were apparently analyzed including sight distance, pedestrian activity, crash history, proximity to schools, daily traffic counts, turning movements, physical geometry of the intersection, and seasonal impacts. According to the SHA their engineers determined that a signal, along with turn lanes, and additional signs, will improve traffic flow and safety, through the intersection.

“As engineers, our job is to thoroughly research, analyze and study data and use engineering judgment to identify safety improvements for our highways,” said District Engineer Donnie Drewer. “While we considered other options, we determined installing a traffic signal along with advanced warning signs and new separated turn lanes will create a safer intersection at this busy section of US 50.”

Officials say the project is not funded for construction, but a timeline to construct the new traffic signal, and other improvements will be available by late summer. We’re told approximately 25,000 vehicles travel this section of Route 50 each day.