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May 19, 2008 5:33 pm US/Eastern
Changes To Come To York Rd. & Roundabout
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) ―
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State, county and community leaders will make changes to York Road and the roundabout in Towson.
Driving around Towson will be a little different after June 16.
Kelly McPherson reports that's when the state, county and community will make some changes to York Road and the roundabout.
If you've ever driven down York Road to the roundabout, you know that it can be a little hairy to maneuver around.
Community organizers have asked that to boost business and ease traffic that the state start making changes.
They say changes to the roundabout are not happening because of driver frustrations or fender-benders. Quality of life is what has state, county and community members wanting to rework the circle down to one lane of traffic.
"I just think this is some fine-tuning, fine-tuning a very strong downtown and giving it a brighter future," said Jay Doyle, community revitalization specialist.
Fifty parking spots will replace lanes of traffic along two blocks of York Road.
"It will bring a connection from this side of town to the east side of York Road where people can cross the street safely and cars aren't going quickly," said Nancy Hafford, Exec. Director of Towson Chamber.
While drivers should notice a difference on the roundabout and on York Road, the point of all the changes is for pedestrians to notice the changes as well. They should find it easier to walk around.
"The main impact is to slow the traffic down and to just get everybody acclimated to the notion that pedestrians are very important. You want people to walk in their communities," said Doyle.
Foot traffic is uneven, but added parking and slower-moving cars could help with the goal of the chamber.
"It's going to be like a Canton in the suburbs," said Hafford.
Drivers who don't want to adapt to the changes next month can still take the bypasses to avoid the roundabout all together.
No construction is needed. SHA will shut down the roundabout for one night, June 16, to make the lane changes and add parking spaces on York Road.
Many signs will be put up to guide drivers and pedestrians.
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