CAMBRIDGE, MD - In a bid to enhance efficiency and safety in downtown Cambridge, the city is implementing a significant change to its traffic management system. The proposal aims to replace traditional traffic lights with stop signs, a move anticipated to make pedestrian crossings more predictable and secure.
Bucky Jackson, the Assistant City Engineer, highlighted the motivation behind the initiative, stating, "Having stop signs is a little bit more predictable, a method of crossing streets, etc. So it was all really driven towards pedestrian safety walking downtown."
The pilot project begins with Phase 1 at the intersection of Spring and Gay Street. During this phase, existing traffic lights will be turned off and covered, rendering them inactive, and drivers will adhere to a four-way stop intersection for a month.
Jackson expressed optimism about the potential positive impact on traffic flow, stating, "I think the level of service, which means the flow of traffic and how quickly it flows, will be better."
The project comprises of four phases in total. Following Phase 1, Phase 2 will take place at the Muse and Gay St. intersection, Phase 3 at the intersections of High and Locust and High and Glasgow, and Phase 4 at Gay, Poplar, and Race St.
Despite potential concerns from some drivers, the city is committed to implementing the entire plan. So if Phase One turns out to be the best or worst solution for traffic, the city says they'll still be moving on to Phase Two.
Residents have expressed mixed opinions on the future changes. Chuck Coleman, a resident, sees potential benefits, stating, "It could cut down on your travel time." However, Cathy Harville, another Cambridge resident, prefers traffic lights, expressing concerns about confusion at four-way stops.
Because the City Council approved this plan, in a 5-0 vote Monday night, the first phase of installing stop signs is scheduled to begin in January. Each subsequent phase will follow a month after the previous one, although the timeline may be expedited if the new traffic patterns prove successful.
It's important to note that the existing traffic lights will not be removed but turned off during the trial period. The possibility exists for one or more of the test phases to be made permanent, depending on their effectiveness. The city remains focused on achieving a balance between efficiency and safety in its downtown traffic management.
