Over the last month, the City of Frederick’s Department of Public Works has continued to evaluate its recommended plan for improvements to the Christopher’s Crossing and Timber Grove Road intersection. Input received from the public and specifically residents to be most directly affected by the proposed changes has been thoughtfully considered as part of this evaluation process. As a result, the Department has developed an alternate solution for the proposed improvements which will address immediate public safety concerns at this location.
Under this alternate solution, the following will occur:
- All-way (4-way) stop control will remain in place
- Left turns and through movements from Timber Grove Road will continue to be permitted
- Significant pedestrian safety improvements will be made to include a new high intensity crosswalk, new compliant ADA ramps, median extensions, and signage to increase driver awareness
- Posted speed limit will remain at 25 miles per hour
“This alternate solution accomplishes many of the goals aligned with our Vision Zero policy and the complete streets resolution previously adopted by the Board of Aldermen,” said Zack Kershner, director of the Department of Public Works. “Most importantly, this plan offers improved pedestrian safety for all users of our transportation system. The Christopher’s Crossing corridor will continue to see increases in traffic load due to growth anticipated within the latest adopted comprehensive plan. Ultimately, changes will need to occur throughout the corridor to address this increase in traffic to both ensure pedestrian and driver safety and achieve the functionality and purpose of the roadway. It will be critical that we engage the public to obtain input as we move forward with future improvements along this corridor and throughout the City.”
As The City of Frederick works to implement the Complete Streets and Vision Zero policies for the City’s transportation system, we are committed to developing a new public outreach and engagement process for the implementation of traffic and safety improvements. The City will keep the public updated on that process as it takes shape.
“Public engagement is critical to good governance,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. “This particular project, involving Christophers Crossing and Timber Grove Road, made clear the need for a broad, comprehensive public engagement process for projects that aligns with our approved guiding plans and policies.”
The opportunity to provide feedback on the new plan and the overall vision for the Christophers Crossing corridor will occur at the Mayor and Board of Aldermen’s Public Workshop scheduled for Feb. 23, at 3:00. The Department of Public Works will present the revised plan and the Board will take comment at that time.