‘This is a bad idea:’ Salisbury residents voice concerns over traffic signal removal at intersection, several accidents reported
SALISBURY, Md. – “I take this intersection 3 times a day, I know this is a bad idea,” Konrad said.
Salisbury resident Rick Konrad says there’s a problem at the intersection of Camden Ave and South Blvd. “Trying to get through this intersection when you’re on South Blvd is really bad and you feel like you’re taking your life into your hands every time you go across the intersection,” Konrad said.
Back in March the city of Salisbury announced the phasing out of the traffic signal at that intersection. Two stop signs are now on both ends of South Blvd. while traffic flow on Camden Ave. continues. Concerns of speed and line of sight have drivers like Konrad fearful. “Here in this case, you have a hedge on this side where you can’t see traffic coming until you’re literally into the intersection,” Konrad said.
Since the change, Konrad says three accidents have occurred in the area with one involving his own parents. “My dad has broken ribs and my mom has a concussion. They’re both badly bruised up and they’re frankly very lucky to be alive at this point,” Konrad.
A sign now sits on South Blvd. informing drivers that cross traffic does not stop, but Konrad says signage isn’t enough. “I don’t want to see another family go through what my mom and dad have been going through right now and the pain they’re suffering,” Konrad said.
Konrad feels that the city didn’t take heed to resident concerns raised back in April. He and a dozen other residents are headed to Monday night’s council meeting to let their voices be heard and save lives in the process. “The council and the administration need to fix this, and they need to fix it today,” Konrad said.
Konrad tells 47ABC the change is happening after a traffic study was done on the area. We did reach out to council members and city officials for comment and as of now have not heard back.
As of now that traffic signal is expected to be removed permanently on June 8th, 2023.
