In Gaithersburg, a traffic light was put in place at the junction of Russell Avenue and Watkins Mill Road in April. The traffic lights are now completely operating after a brief period of time during which they were covered and then flashed red signals.
The City of Gaithersburg claims that the intersection of Russell Avenue and Watkins Mill Road is a T intersection. Previously, Watkins Mill Road’s eastbound and westbound traffic flowed freely, but Russell Avenue traffic was stop regulated.
In 2022, the City of Gaithersburg hired a traffic engineering consultant to do an assessment of the intersection based on safety concerns and feedback from local people. The consultant concluded that a traffic signal was both suggested and needed. With construction planned for FY25 and design finished in FY24, the project was authorized for inclusion in the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
At a planning meeting, the City of Gaithersburg declared that the new traffic signal, which includes pedestrian countdown signals, new striping upgrades, and higher lighting levels, will increase safety. The modifications, which include all new sidewalk ramps and pedestrian facilities, are made to comply with all applicable American with Disabilities Act criteria.
