County Pedestrian Safety Investments and Activities Make Piney Branch Safer

When County Executive Ike Leggett announced his Pedestrian Safety Initiative nearly six years ago, a key approach focused efforts on areas with the highest number of pedestrian collisions. Piney Branch Road, between Flower Avenue and the County line, was one of the first areas targeted because of its high collision rates. Since work began, pedestrian collisions along Piney Branch corridor have decreased by 36 percent.

The latest investments in a multi-year effort to enhance safety on Piney Branch are two new crosswalks with pedestrian refuge islands and flashing beacons that warn motorists to stop. In 2010 and 2011, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation upgraded sidewalks and ADA ramps in the corridor. Through agreements with PEPCO, additional street lights were installed and other lights were brightened. In 2011, traffic signal upgrades for pedestrians were installed, with more being planned in cooperation with the State of Maryland.

In addition, staff conducted extensive grassroots education and Police conducted intensive enforcement, writing 700 citations to both pedestrians and motorists.

For more information, visit MCDOT’s pedestrian safety website.