Poolesville advances streetscape plan with raised crosswalks, bike lanes and traffic‑calming

Poolesville town staff presented 30% designs for a multi‑phase streetscape project that would add raised crosswalks, stamped asphalt sidewalks (to replace some brick), new bike‑friendly shoulders and traffic‑calming features along the town’s main corridors.

Niles, a town staff member who led the presentation, said the plans call for raised, stamped asphalt crosswalks near the CVS and town hall, a 4‑foot shoulder to provide an informal bike route in places, a dedicated center turn lane at the busiest intersections and narrower medians where necessary to improve circulation. "This will save on cost and provide a consistent look while improving pedestrian safety," Niles said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the project is intended to improve pedestrian connections between the new development, the pool and Whan Commons, create safer crossings for school routes and provide clearer space for bicyclists. Staff said the change from brick to stamped concrete or asphalt is driven by maintenance concerns — bricks break and are harder to repair — and the stamped surface will visually match other town features.

Design details and constraints: staff highlighted several specific features — raised crosswalks for storm‑water and traffic calming, stamped areas that mimic brick, a bike lane that will be more continuous than in the original concept, and bumpouts and pedestrian signage. The design team noted one significant constraint: the crossing where Fiser Avenue meets Cobb Road does not line up with county road geometry, so county approval is required for the proposed connection. "John has tried many times and they've always said no," Niles said, describing past difficulties getting the county to accept nonstandard crosswalk configurations.

Timeline and next steps: the drawings are currently at roughly 30% design. Staff said they have submitted comments and expect 90% plans in May and final (100%) plans by June, with construction scheduling to follow once final designs and funding are in place. Staff also said the project will retain or add in‑road flashing beacons at key crossings and will explore additional pedestrian crossings around schools as state and county policy evolves.

Public input and implementation risks: commissioners and farmers’ representatives weighed in on sign and artifact placement tied to the streetscape area and emphasized foot‑traffic placement for interpretive signs. Staff cautioned that some elements depend on outside approvals (county road modifications) and that final locations and utility conflicts will be resolved during the survey and final design stage.

What comes next: staff will continue refining specifications, share detailed plans with commissioners and county staff as needed, and move into bid and construction phases once final engineering and funding are confirmed.