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Bladensburg council splits on whether to keep 52nd Street as one‑way; seeks MOU and immediate cleanup from SHA
Summary
Council debated the future of a state‑run one‑way pilot on 52nd Street after residents and council members raised pedestrian and bike safety and maintenance concerns. The town will seek a codified memorandum of understanding with State Highway Administration, request an initial cleanup, and invite the district engineer to the July meeting.
Bladensburg council members on Monday weighed whether to keep a two‑year pilot that converted 52nd Street into a one‑way state road or to reopen the road to two‑way traffic, with discussion centering on pedestrian safety near a nearby school, maintenance of temporary Jersey barriers, and who will bear ongoing upkeep costs.
Town Administrator Wood reported the State Highway Administration (SHA) has drafted a permanent plan and identified funding — but implementation is about two years out. He said that leaves a maintenance gap and prompted the discussion about whether the town should help maintain the corridor or press the state for interim action.
Council Member Brown, who lives in the area, warned the current strip is "not walkable" and argued the town lacks the resources and equipment to sustain barrier upkeep without clear SHA support. "We don't have the infrastructure as a small town to... maintain them," Brown said. Council Member Dixon and others raised safety concerns for students and pedestrians and suggested enforcement options such as stop‑sign cameras (which would require county approval).
The mayor cautioned against overstating danger without comparative accident data but said reverting to two‑way traffic would negate gains for pedestrians and cyclists. "If we go back to two way, that is not an option," the mayor said, citing increased numbers of pedestrians and cyclists since the pilot began.
What council asked staff to do
- Ask SHA to perform an initial cleanup and trimming of overgrowth while longer planning continues. - Invite the SHA district engineer and staff to the July work session to answer outstanding technical questions and timeline issues. - Draft a possible MOU that would codify roles, responsibilities and expectations if the town continues a partnership on interim maintenance.
The council did not vote on a policy change but directed staff to pursue the cleanup with SHA and return with an MOU draft and a feasibility study for limited town maintenance (such as part‑time public works support) in July.
