intersection of Routes 113 and 12
near Snow Hill went live this week,
ending years of consternation
over the fatal crossroads.
tion project by the State Highway
Administration (SHA), there have
been about 60 accidents reported
at the crossroads including multi-
ple fatal accidents, the last coming
in December when a Snow Hill
man was killed after colliding with
a vehicle attempting to cross the
median. Worcester County offi-
cials implored SHA for a major re-
configuration of the deadly inter-
section, including a potential fu-
ture overpass or at the very least,
a traffic signal in the interim.
flashing yellow warning signal,
rumble strips and "look again"
signs advising motorists to check
and recheck before crossing the
intersection.
SHA opted to install "J-turns" at
the intersection in an effort to pre-
vent motorists from attempting to
cross the lanes of traffic to the
opposite side.
ty Commissioners in October,
SHA officials acknowledged chan-
ges were needed but said a recent
traffic study revealed a traffic sig-
nal was not warranted.
sition after it became apparent a
signal was needed despite lower
than required traffic volumes be-
cause of the unique configuration
of the intersection.
the traffic signal has been installed
and went live with Wednesday.
Senator Jim Mathias (D-38), who
worked with the county and SHA
to help bring a traffic signal to the
often deadly intersection, praised
the partners and shareholders for
making the light become a reality.
sioners and SHA for understand-
ing the urgent need for this traffic
signal, which will save lives and
reduce injuries to motorists," he
signal underscores the import-
ance of working together as a
team to accomplish big goals."
bus driver who also represents the
Snow Hill area, has been the
staunchest advocate for a traffic
signal at the intersection of
Routes 113 and 12 after personal-
ly witnessing several accidents at
the crossroads after it was recon-
figured in 2006.
over the years for failing to recog-
nize the need for change, but his
tone was reconciliatory this week.
ful for the new traffic signal at the
intersection," he said. "Hopefully,
this will create a safe condition at
the U.S. 113-12 intersection."
cision to install a permanent traffic
signal at the intersection and re-
sponded to the will of the people
and elected officials to move this
project forward," said District En-
gineer Donnie Drewer. "Safety is
SHA's number one priority and
converting the existing flashing
beacon to a full-color traffic signal
is a tremendous step forward in
improving safety along U.S. 113 in
Snow Hill. We also need drivers to
do their part and obey all basic
rules of the road."
on a flashing mode, including a
flashing yellow on Route 113 and
a flashing red on Route 12, for the
first 24 hours.
sage signs to alert motorists of the
new traffic signal. A full green-yel-
low-red signal at the intersection
went live on Wednesday.
flashing beacons along Route 113
on the approaches to Route 12 to
alert motorists when the signal is
about to turn red and provide driv-
ers with a chance to slow down
when approaching the intersec-
tion.
vehicles pass through the inter-
section each day.