SHA proposes solar-powered flashing beacons at Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Avenue to improve crossings

The Maryland State Highway Administration proposed installing push-button rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and reconstructing pedestrian ramps at the Greenbelt Road (MD 430) and Rhode Island Avenue intersection, city and SHA officials said at the Feb. 18 College Park City Council meeting.

SHA Project Manager Mas Fukui described the work as “install[ing] rectangular rapid flashing beacons, flashing beacons that are push button activated to cross the crosswalks across Maryland 430,” and said the devices will be audible and tactile to improve accessibility. Fukui also said all field equipment for the crossing will be solar powered and self-contained at the intersection.

Councilmember Esther Doctor, whose district includes the crossing, said she has walked the site and called it “really unsafe.” Doctor asked about changes to the small median refuge on the west leg; Fukui and SHA representatives said the existing median is narrow and does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act dimensions, so SHA intends to remove or reconfigure the refuge and realign the west leg crosswalk. "Rather than to keep that median refuge that is not ADA compliant ... remove it and to encourage people to cross fully rather than to wait in an inadequate space," Fukui said.

The presentation drew technical questions from council members about alternatives. Councilmember Whitney asked whether SHA had considered a HAWK (high‑intensity activated crosswalk) signal that can provide a red (stop) indication. Eric Florence, Deputy District Engineer for SHA District 3, said the district office could evaluate widening the median to meet ADA standards but warned the change would require significant geometric work and could affect lane widths. Florence offered to follow up with the council “and get back to you and see if that's something that's feasible.” He committed to a two‑week follow-up on feasibility for widening the refuge area.

Dean Randolph, acting chief of SHA’s Traffic Engineering Design Division, explained SHA’s maintenance plan and said SHA maintains the solar battery systems from its Hanover facility. Randolph said SHA had conducted a solar viability survey and found the location suitable for solar equipment. "This is a prime location for solar. We don't anticipate any big issues with the maintenance," he said.

Council members asked about additional traffic‑calming and sight‑distance treatments. Mas Fukui said the design includes a curb bump‑out on the southwest corner to shorten the crossing and to better align pedestrian and bicyclist flow. He said PS&E review occurred in mid‑December and that construction is expected to begin in late spring.

Resident and bicyclist Vinci Judacanda, who later spoke during public comments, urged the city and SHA to improve the southbound bike lane configuration on Rhode Island Avenue so bicyclists do not have to merge into a right‑turn lane before the crossing and recommended physical separation where feasible.

The council requested further study of median geometry and signal alternatives, and SHA agreed to return with follow-up information. No formal council action was taken; the item was a presentation and discussion.

The SHA contact listed at the meeting was Mas Fukui, SHA project manager for MD 430 (Greenbelt Road) at Rhode Island Avenue. SHA representatives said they expect construction to begin in late spring and will inspect and maintain the solar equipment through the Hanover maintenance complex.

Plans and timing may change; council members requested additional details and a short follow-up report from SHA and city staff.