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North Chevy Chase reviews traffic study; red-light cameras slated for key intersection
Summary
The council reviewed a Traffic Group camera study showing just 7% of vehicles fully stop at the Husted Driveway intersection and speeds up to 55 mph on Kensington Parkway; SHA told village officials red-light camera replacements are scheduled in 9–11 months and staff will return with specific calming recommendations on July 21.
The Village of North Chevy Chase reviewed new traffic data showing low stop compliance and high speeds at local intersections and asked engineering consultants for recommendations.
Council Vice Chair Maury Mechanick presented findings from The Traffic Group’s 24-hour camera and speed study showing only 7% of vehicles made complete stops at the Husted Driveway intersection. The study found most vehicles on Husted traveled 20–30 mph and that vehicles on Kensington Parkway reached speeds up to 55 mph. Mechanick also noted there are no posted speed-limit signs along the village portion of Kensington Parkway between Beach Drive and Inverness Drive, which may contribute to observed speeding.
Village officials discussed several possible countermeasures, including flashing stop signs, radar speed-feedback signs, creative pavement striping and speed humps. The council asked The Traffic Group to return with formal recommendations at the July 21 meeting and noted that, if the council elects to install speed humps, their timing should be coordinated with planned street repaving in the capital improvement schedule.
Separately, Village representatives reported a May 18 meeting with the State Highway Administration and state legislators addressing the Connecticut Avenue/Jones Bridge Road/Kensington Parkway intersection. SHA informed the Village it is at the top of the queue to receive replacement red-light cameras and that installation could occur within nine to 11 months after SHA replaces an existing backlog of about 70 cameras. SHA staff also agreed to review signal phasing, signage and measures to address ramp-related backups.
The Traffic Group will present recommended short-term and capital measures on July 21. The council did not take a final vote on changes at the June meeting; staff will return with specifics and cost estimates.
