County will enforce “local traffic” restrictions

From the office of County Executive John Leopold:

Annapolis, Maryland (August 29, 2008) – Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold and County Council Chairman Cathleen M. Vitale announced today that police will strictly enforce local restrictions on East College Parkway and Skidmore Drive through the holiday weekend.

A lighted sign is located on College Parkway near Green Holly Drive to warn motorists of the local restrictions beyond Cape St. Claire Road.
The goal is to make sure residents can get to and from their homes and local businesses in the Cape St. Claire area undeterred by cross-through traffic trying to bypass Route 50 eastbound.

“When backups occur we will have enhanced enforcement by the Police Department,” County Executive Leopold said. “East College Parkway and Skidmore Drive are for residents and local businesses only. Backups are frustrating for everyone, but we want to make sure residents can safely return home.”

Permanent signs are posted on Route 50 eastbound as well as the access roads.

“Safety is the primary concern, and we have had some near accidents because of the unauthorized use of the access roads in the past,”

Chairman Vitale said. “We were successful in having the roads designated for local access only, and at times like these we need to strictly enforce these restrictions.”

More: Don’t want to brave bridge traffic this weekend? Check out our website for thousands of things to do right where you live in Annapolis or on the Eastern Shore.

Send us your thoughts!

Were you caught in the Bay Bridge backup last night or today? Be sure to sound off in the comments section below and let us know about your frustrations, and any solutions you think could alleviate the traffic stress.

How safe is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

The Baltimore Sun wrote today that Maryland Senator E.J. Pipkin is raising questions about the safety of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, noting that the barrier corrosion repairs that will be snarling traffic for the next ten weeks might not have happened without discoveries made after the August 10 tractor-trailer crash:

” Pipkin said the decision to close the bridge during the Labor Day holiday weekend ‘conveys a sense of doubt about the current status of the bridge’s safety. One is forced to ask: What else is there about the bridge’s stability that has not been discovered? What else do we not know?’ he said.”

Readers, what do you think? How do you feel about the safety of the bridge, and how situation is being handled?