Pennington Avenue is one of the significant gateway truck routes to the Curtis Bay industrial area.

The project is part of our effort to promote pedestrian use, improve pedestrian safety, and improve roadway infrastructure.

It includes repurposing the roadway by converting two lanes each way to one lane each way with a shared left turn lane in the middle.

Why is the work being done?

• Rehabilitate the deteriorated roadway pavement
  • This is an industrial area, and significant truck traffic has damaged the roadway over the years.
• Improve Pedestrian Safety, Accessibility and Connectivity
  • The existing sidewalk on the east side doesn't connect and has unsidewalked areas
  • We want to build a new ADA-compliant sidewalk connecting the Curtis Bay
    Neighborhood to Anne Arundel County
  • We want to build crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
• Repurposing the Roadway
  • Convert two lanes each way to one lane each way with a shared left turn lane
    • Adding striped shoulders
    • One lane continues across each bridge (NB & SB) over Cabin Branch
  • We did a traffic study and found:
    • The roadway is underused
    • One lane each way with a shared left turn lane is adequate for existing and
      projected traffic data
  • A lane reduction will reduce traffic speeds and provide a shoulder area, which provides a safer environment for pedestrians and motorists
  • Pedestrian safety would be a priority over vehicular traffic, following Complete Streets guidelines
• Improve the Pennington Ave & Birch St Intersection
  • Safety Improvements (force NB traffic to turn right onto Birch St)
  • New Overhead Hazard Identification Beacon Signal

What is a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon?

A photo of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, photographed by Steven Vance

A marked crosswalk or pedestrian warning sign can improve pedestrian safety. Still, drivers may not always be able to see crossing locations and yield to pedestrians properly.

To enhance pedestrian safety and increase driver awareness at uncontrolled, marked crosswalks, transportation agencies can install a pedestrian-actuated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon to accompany a pedestrian warning sign. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons have two rectangular-shaped yellow indications, each with an LED array-based light source.

When activated, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons flash with an alternating high frequency to enhance the safety of pedestrians at the crossing for drivers.

Will there be work on Cabin Branch Bridge as well?

No, just pavement markings, signs, and lighting upgrades.

What are the existing conditions?

What Complete Streets elements will be built in?

• Road Diet (the traffic study let us know that lane reductions are acceptable)
• New continuous ADA-compliant sidewalk on the east side
• Connect Curtis Bay Neighborhood to AA County
• Roadway pavement rehabilitation
• Geometric improvements at Birch Street
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
• New overhead hazard beacon signal at Birch Street
• Adding crosswalks, new signing & pavement markings
• Concrete bus pads at bus stops; stamped concrete median
• LED streetlights
• Adding green space and landscaping (RLA)
• Repairs: curbs, inlets, driveway aprons, guardrails, etc.

What would the lane reductions look like?

Will residents and businesses still have access during construction?

Yes. Any minor inconveniences will be coordinated, and at least one travel lane will be maintained.

Will public transportation still run during construction?

All bus stops will be maintained, and no impacts to MTA bus schedule are anticipated.

What challenges will the project face?

• Federal Aid Process (may take time)
• Railroad impacts 3 railroad crossings in project limits
• CSXT railroad coordination and approval (schedule impacts)
• Baltimore City/County Line runs through Pennington Avenue