Public Meeting on Proposed Roundabout for MD 589

Ocean Pines, Md. -The Maryland State Highway Administration is holding a public meeting to inform the public of their plans to install a roundabout at MD 589/Ocean Parkway on Thursday evening.

According to district engineers, the initial feedback they have received so far for the idea has been negative. They say the unfavorable reaction to the idea is due to people not understanding how effective they perform.

“I think we can really help people understand the benefits of it if they give us the opportunity,” James Meredith, a district engineer said. “We’re not here to ram this down anyone’s throat, we’re going there to present a good idea that will improve traffic.”

Meredith said that traffic at the intersection is so bad that cars will often times be backed up for 1,500 feet, but with a roundabout you won’t have to wait for light signals.

Once the meeting concludes MSHA will decide if they want to go forward with their plans and they will move toward the design phase before asking for funding.

If approved, engineers estimate the project the project will take three years to complete.

The meeting will not be a formal presentation but engineers will be present to answer questions. People will be able to come and go from the meeting at their convenience from 6 to 8 p.m.