July 9, 1999

Install pedestrian light on Connecticut Avenue

I am writing to ask for support for the recent State Highway Administration decision to place a pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Washington Street in Kensington.

The proposed solution, as described in The Gazette, is a reasonable compromise that will alleviate the longstanding pedestrian safety and mobility problem at this intersection.

The current conditions create real danger. My house is probably the nearest house to the intersection of Connecticut and Washington. Although I haven't lived here long enough to be around for either of the pedestrian fatalities, I am well aware of the conditions that make it unsafe to cross Connecticut Avenue on foot. Traffic volumes are heavy, particularly at rush hour, and continue to grow. Drivers on Connecticut Avenue routinely exceed the speed limit. Pedestrians attempting to cross often have to wait several minutes before there is a gap in traffic big enough to allow a dash across three lanes to the median strip and then must repeat the process. What is a difficult and dangerous crossing for an able-bodied person like me becomes even more perilous for some elderly people, or anyone with a less than perfect ability to see, or move quickly. On dark winter mornings and evenings, the danger is further increased by reduced visibility.

There is a genuine need for pedestrians to cross Connecticut Avenue at this intersection. I have observed many people attending the church or synagogue who need to cross here. Although I don't attend either of these institutions, I often cross here in order to get to parks, the bus stop, the MARC train station, the post office or just to take a stroll around the neighborhood.

Anyone walking south on the west side of Connecticut Avenue must cross here because the sidewalk ends at Washington Street.

Washington Street is the best place for a pedestrian crossing. Some of my neighbors who oppose the decision have suggested that a pedestrian light should instead be placed at a different intersection further north such as Baltimore Street. Placing the light at a different intersection would reduce safety instead of increasing it. Pedestrians are much less visible at the other intersections due to the blind curve. The angle of the intersection makes the distance greater. Instead of crossing seven lanes, it is equivalent to crossing eight or nine lanes. The other streets are not as convenient for walking to the places mentioned above. So people will try to cross at Washington Street anyway.

A pedestrian light won't increase cut-through traffic on Washington Street. .With stop signs and numerous speed-humps, in their way, commuters won't cut through. More importantly, commuters won't cut through because Washington Street doesn't provide a shorter or quicker route, even when traffic is jammed on Connecticut.

A pedestrian light solution is a reasonable compromise. Although the problem is very real, it has been difficult for residents to agree on a solution. At one end of the spectrum there are many town residents who favor a full traffic light to improve safety and mobility for both cars and pedestrians.

And at the other end, there are some residents who oppose any change whatsoever out of a fear of increased cut-through traffic. It is not possible to please everyone, but this solution appears to do a good job of balancing the differing points of view.

The time to act is now. After years of petitions, studies, debate and inaction, we are finally close to solving the problem. No further meetings are necessary. If we don't take this opportunity, who knows how long it will be before something can be done?

Al Carr, Kensington

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