— CRESAPTOWN — The Maryland State Highway Ad-ministration recently completed improvements that enhance school access and safety at Warrior Drive in Cresaptown.

SHA installed a new dedicated right-turn lane to direct traffic from southbound U.S. 220 to westbound state Route 636. The right turn lane has been separated from through traffic and motorists must now yield to approaching traffic and pedestrians. The new right-turn only lane will reduce potential conflict points for drivers and pedestrians and removes the exclusive “green” signal time.

A new pedestrian crosswalk on the westbound leg of Warrior Drive was also installed.  The crosswalk provides improved safety and access for elementary students who attend activities at the Calvary Christian Academy gym.

In addition to the pedestrian improvements, vehicular ac-cess to the school parking lot was also enhanced. Remaining work includes construction of a new retaining wall along Warrior Run for additional stabilization to an adjacent slope that supports the school parking lot. The intersection improvements are part of the $4.2 million Cresaptown Streetscape project that is expected to be completed later this year, weather permitting.  

SHA awarded the overall contract to Carl Belt Inc. of Cumberland.

Questions reagrding the new traffic operations in Cresaptown or other state numbered routes in Allegany County, may be directed to SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.   

The SHA urges motorists to be prepared and exercise caution as the back to school season brings an increase in traffic on area roadways.  Allow more time for commutes and be sure to obey posted speed limits. On average, 300 Maryland children are injured every year during school arrival and dismissal times.

State law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and school buses loading and unloading children.  Parents are reminded to review the rules of the road with children and make sure they understand how to use crosswalks, look left, right, left before crossing and safely get on and off the school bus. Learn more about roadway safety basics at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

Tips for walkers:

•  Develop a safe route to school with your parents.

•  Choose the quickest route with the fewest street crossings.

•  The correct way to cross the street is to always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right and then left again before crossing. Continue looking in this manner until are able to cross safely.

•  If vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, pedestrians should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles — then stop, and look left-right-left again.

•  Use intersections with crossing guards and/or crosswalks.

•  Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard.

•  Never cross the street against a light, even if no traffic is coming.

•  Walk bikes through intersections.

•  Walk with a buddy.

•  Wear reflective material.

Tips for motorists:

• Maryland’s law states that motorists must stop for pedestrians in front of all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked. Unmarked crosswalks exist at most intersections, even if there are no obvious markings.

•  When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.

•  When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school.

•  Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.