Councilman Brady’s Thoughts and Position on Transportation
MD-197, Laurel-Bowie Road
At the end of Councilman Brady’s last term on the Council, State Highways was completing their design for improving the two-lane section of MD-197 between MD-450 and Kenhill Drive. The project would upgrade this missing link with a four-lane highway that included a landscaped median. Construction was to begin in 2019 with completion a year or two later. Unfortunately, the project was not completed as promised. We need to lobby our State and County elected officials to restore this project as soon as possible.
Church Road adjacent to Church Road Park
In 2004, a male teenage was killed in a one car accident on the curvy, narrow section of Church Road just south of Church Road Park. Councilman Brady, with the support of his colleagues, was successful in convincing then County Councilman Douglas J. J. Peters to initiate a County Council study of Church Road along is entire length from Oak Grove Road to Old Annapolis Road (Old MD-450). The study broke Church Road into four sections. The developers of Fairwood Turf Farm improved Church Road north of US-50 while developers of Oak Creek Club, Palisades at Oak Creek, and Woodmore at Oak Creek improved Church Road south of MD-214, Central Avenue. Prince George’s County realigned Mount Oak Road and Woodmore Road at Church Road to eliminate the off-set. This intersection was also signalized.
Unfortunately, the dangerous section of Church Road near Church Road Park was not improved. In order for improvement to occur, a small amount of land from the City is necessary for this improvement. The City should leverage this donation into action on the part of the County.
Racetrack Road
This County road needs to be improved. As part of the design plans for the Bowie Race Track property, two traffic circles should be constructed on Race Track Road, one on each end of the property. Additionally, due to speed and safety concerns on Race Track Road, the large triangle intersection at Old Chapel Road should be replaced with a landscaped traffic circle.
MD-564, 9th Street, and Chestnut Avenue
When the bridge over the Amtrak Railroad was replaced years ago, Chestnut Avenue was shifted, creating two new intersections on either side. There is significant sight-distance issues on the north side creating safety issues. State Highways has pushed back on the resident’s and the City’s request for a traffic light. Council should seek assistance from our County and State elected officials to have a traffic light installed.
Neighborhood speeding
Speeding in the residential areas of the City has and continues to be an serious safety issue. Unfortunately, those who fly down our streets are our friends and neighbors.
A two tiered approach is necessary. The first tier includes incorporating road designs (circles, chokers, etc.) and technology (speed warning devices) to catch drivers attention. A second tier includes outreach by community, religious, and social leaders to help shift drivers attitude. Whatever the approach, we will need our State elected officials to pass legislation that will provide some teeth to our effort.
Circulator Bus
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or Metro, is by design set up to transport our residents from their homes in Bowie to their work in Washington, DC. Prince George’s County’s The Bus is similarly designed. As a result, Bowie’s citizens have no real options other than their personal automobiles to shop, to work or to dine. The City needs to seek our assistance from our State and County elected officials to change this dynamic.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and positions on Transportation issues. They are the “tip of the iceberg”. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or have any transportation issues or suggestions.