Pedestrian island ravaged on Woodmont Avenue (Photos)

A crosswalk pedestrian refuge island on Woodmont Avenue near Fairmont Avenue has been heavily damaged. The pedestrian island is located by Veterans Park, which the crosswalk connects to the eastern sidewalk of Woodmont, near its intersection with Fairmont. It has taken similar damage since it was constructed in 2013, the first time only 48 hours after it was opened to the public. 

A sign on the island directing drivers to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk is damaged and bent to the ground. There used to be two, but one destroyed previously was never replaced. Two bollards are also gone. It is currently unclear how the island was damaged, but it appears to have occurred since the snowstorm began Friday.

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.