New Wisconsin Avenue traffic signals fully-operational in downtown Bethesda (Photos)

The new traffic signals at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) and Middleton Lane are now fully-operational, the culmination of a years-long advocacy effort by residents in East Bethesda. Pedestrian button controls have been uncovered, and are functioning. The new signals were installed by the Maryland State Highway Administration with the primary goal of making it safer for pedestrians to cross in this area. Pedestrians attempting to cross MD 355 can activate a red signal for Wisconsin; the lights otherwise function like any standard traffic signal, with a green, yellow and red cycle governing traffic entering the intersection from both streets.

New pedestrian crossing signal activated in downtown Bethesda (Video + Photos)

A new pedestrian crossing signal on downtown Bethesda's main drag has been activated by the Maryland State Highway Administration. However, the pedestrian control boxes that would be used to activate the red light when attempting to cross are still wrapped, so it is not fully operational yet. The new lights are at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) and Middleton Lane.  

MDSHA installing traffic signals at Bethesda intersection where 2 pedestrians were struck in 2019 (Photos)

The Maryland State Highway Administration is installing new traffic signals on Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) at Middleton Lane in downtown Bethesda. Two pedestrians were struck in the crosswalk there in 2019, but residents of East Bethesda had been asking for the signal long before that. State Highway engineers initially concluded additional signals were not warranted there, but announced they would install crossing signals at three intersections after the 2019 incident. The signals that have been installed are not yet operational, so it is currently unclear if they will operate with other timed signals along MD 355 and additional signals facing Middleton, or only when activated by pedestrians seeking to cross.

Death on Old Georgetown Rd., sex assault on Brixton La. + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on July 14, according to crime data:

Assault. 7300 block Wisconsin Avenue at 6:27 PM.

Theft from vehicle. 4700 block Cheltenham Drive.

Theft from vehicle. 4500 block Middleton Lane.

"Death." 8600 block Old Georgetown Road at 11:39 PM.

Sexual assault. 9800 block Brixton Lane at 4:39 PM.

Disorderly conduct. Montrose Parkway at Rockville Pike.