COLUMBIA, Md. — Residents of the Allview community are calling for increased measures to address speeding and distracted driving in their neighborhood, particularly as drivers frequently use the area as a shortcut between Route 29 and Broken Land Parkway.
Mesfin Gebeyhou, a resident of the neighborhood for over ten years, highlights the intersection of Beechwood Drive and Amherst Avenue, which was the scene of an accident last year that rendered a neighbor’s car totaled. Gebeyhou and fellow neighbors have experienced several close calls at this intersection.
“Clearly, that stop sign is ineffective. Vehicles are just breezing right past it,” Gebeyhou said. “What will it take for action to be taken?”
Community advocates for heightened traffic safety amid rising concerns
Residents in Allview seek resolution for problem of speeding and hazardous intersections
The issue extends beyond just this specific intersection.
At the entrance of the community located on Shaker Drive, multiple roads converge: Amherst, Allview, and Belleview.
Neighbor Pat Lombardi expresses her concern regarding the lack of stop signs, stating it causes unease while driving in that area.
“There’s no stop sign, which forces you to continually glance around the tree to check for oncoming traffic. It’s undeniably a perilous situation,” she remarked.
Lombardi is optimistic about the potential installation of more signage, and even suggests the addition of a traffic circle.
While some portions of the neighborhood have implemented traffic calming measures, Beechwood Drive remains without such enhancements.
Provided
In March, an evaluation conducted by Howard County’s Department of Public Works determined that the traffic patterns on Beechwood Drive did not align with the minimum criteria needed for changes, as vehicles were observed traveling between 5 to 8 miles over the posted 25 mph speed limit.
Regarding the proposal of converting this intersection into a 4-way stop, traffic volume data currently indicates it would be unwarranted, as per the DPW.
Nonetheless, residents, including Gebeyhou, remain committed to seeking a solution. Despite facing opposition from some local residents who believe that implementing calming measures may disrupt emergency response times or be ineffective against speeding, they continue to advocate for change.
“There’s a bus stop right here where children gather in the mornings,” he added. “Why wait until we experience yet another tragedy before we explore solutions? If our proposals are dismissed, we’ll perseveringly continue our efforts.”
Gebeyhou has also reached out to his council member, Christiana Rigby, representing District 3, in hopes of garnering further action.
According to her office, they are currently investigating the matter further.
