City of Salisbury Redesigning Intersections to Improve Safety

(Photo: WBOC)

SALISBURY, Md.- Construction is underway at about 20 intersections across Salisbury, all in an effort to improve traffic safety and prevent pedestrian accidents.

The city is targeting accident-prone areas. The effort is part of an initiative called "Salisbury Vision Zero," the goal being to prevent -- and ultimately eliminate -- all pedestrian accidents in the city.

"The way things are designed, they essentially promote high-speed travel on side streets," said Mayor Jake Day.

One intersection being re-designed is South Park Drive and Memorial Plaza, near the Salisbury Zoo. Lanes are being narrowed and a small concrete circle is being installed to slow cars down.

"Sometimes [cars are] moving so fast that I don't think they realize there are pedestrians here," said neighbor Maggi Gallaher.

Day says the city will continue to work toward preventing pedestrian accidents.

"The next step is the City Council adopting legislation that says, 'This is the law of the land,'" said Day.

Day said that legislation would insist on a certain design standard for building intersections and implement other traffic safety efforts.

The mayor said not all construction will require road closures, and construction is only meant to last a few days at a time.

 

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