A new list of the busiest intersections in Baltimore County would be significantly longer if the county updated its archaic method for rating them, congestion-weary activists said.
Traffic officials compiled a draft list of eight “failing” intersections, where congestion is so bad, the county withholds building permits for traffic-contributing developments. But community leaders said many more intersections deserve the lowest ranking, saying the county?s rating methods are more relaxed than the state?s or nearby counties?.
“Traffic is one of the biggest problems in Baltimore County, and it?s not just getting through the intersection, but vehicles finding ways to avoid intersections,” said Ruth Baisden, president of the Greater Parkville Community Council. “That means cutting through neighborhoods.”
For the second consecutive year, Baisden and other leaders are lobbying for an “F” rating for the Joppa and Harford roads intersection. Using current methodology ? a 1960s-era technique tracking how many cars are able to get through a green light in one cycle ? chief traffic engineer Darrell Wiles said the intersection should get a “D.”
Wiles said the county?s methods can be more visual and accurate than the state?s, which counts the number of cars in each lane per hour. Wiles acknowledged more county intersections would “probably” be ranked failing under the state?s criteria, but said the results are unpredictable.
“It?s a great method for comparing improvement alternatives, but it makes assumptions that aren?t always accurate,” Wiles said.
At least one county councilman, Joe Bartenfelder, D-District 6, said he is concerned with the county?s rating methodology.
Wiles said he expects to complete a report comparing methodologies at the council?s request.
The 2007 draft list of failing intersections removes the Dulaney Valley and Jarrettsville Pike intersection in Loch Raven and adds the Bloomsbury Avenue, Frederick Road and Ingleside Avenue junction in Catonsville.
Proposed failing intersections:
» Harford Road and Putty Hill Avenue
» Loch Raven Boulevard and Joppa Road
» York Road and Burke Avenue
» Falls Road and Seminary Avenue
» Falls and Greenspring Valley roads
» Falls and Joppa roads
» Pulaski Highway and Middle River Road
» Bloomsbury Avenue, Frederick Road and Ingleside Avenue
Source: Baltimore County Bureau of Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning
