Friday, July 26, 2013

PROTECTED CROSSWALK UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON WOODMONT AVENUE BY VETERANS PARK IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Yesterday, I told you about a hazardous pedestrian situation on Woodmont Avenue at Fairmont Avenue.

Today, I know the rest of the story.

Apparently, the dangerous temporary situation today is part of creating a safer long-term situation.

Workers are now constructing a protected crosswalk across Woodmont at Fairmont. It is on the southern side of the intersection, parallel to the existing crosswalk near BGR.

This crossing is something many residents of the Fairmont Plaza condominiums have been asking the county to provide for a while. The existing crosswalk is considered dangerous by many, and is heavily used by Fairmont residents.

As you can see in the photos below, the new protected crosswalk will include a concrete island refuge for pedestrians. This will provide some element of safety for those who currently have difficulty crossing it at one time, such as the elderly or disabled.

I use this crosswalk quite often, and have never had a major problem, but it certainly is one that requires extra attention on the part of the pedestrian. And if a car suddenly speeds around the corner as you're crossing, you're stuck out in the road with only your wits and reflexes vs. oncoming multi-ton vehicles. Not a good situation.

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