Maryland Avenue Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

Will a three-lane roadway with a center left turn lane (4-to-3 conversion) be considered for this project?

Yes, a three-lane test project on Maryland Avenue between North Clark Street and Payne Avenue will take place. A public meeting will occur in early summer 2019 to review the test project. 

To maintain safety and mobility through the I-35E interchange, the county and city do not plan to convert Maryland Avenue between Jackson Street and Arkwright Street to a three-lane roadway as part of the test project. Maryland Avenue west of Jackson Street may be considered for a three-lane conversion in the future, but is outside the scope of the current project.

Will pedestrian safety be improved for crossing Maryland Avenue?

The proposed reconstruction includes replacing the existing sidewalks and curb ramps, and installing an Audible Pedestrian System with audible push buttons at the Maryland Avenue/ Edgerton Street intersection.

The project team is reviewing potential pedestrian crossings at non-signalized intersections between Arkwright Street and Edgerton Street. The incline of this segment could impact sight lines. To ensure safety of all users, sight distances need to be reviewed before considering a pedestrian crossing location along this segment.

Will bike lanes be incorporated into the project?

Bike lanes are not planned on Maryland Avenue. This is consistent with the county and city bicycle plans. The existing facilities (roadway, boulevard and sidewalk) fill out the right of way. Additional right of way would likely be needed to construct bicycle facilities which would have negative impacts to adjacent property owners.

Bike lanes exist on Edgerton Street north of Maryland Avenue.Bike lanes will be constructed on Edgerton Street south of Maryland Avenue in the near future.

Will the existing boulevard trees along Maryland Avenue be removed with the project?

The proposed project will remove the boulevard trees to complete the reconstruction work.The county and city will review the boulevards to see if it is possible to replant trees.

Impacts may vary depending on the results of the four-to-three-lane conversion test project. It may be possible to protect some of the existing trees.

What is being done to reduce traffic volumes and improve safety on Maryland Avenue?

The project team understands that Maryland Avenue serves many purposes ranging from pedestrian access to vehicle mobility. With access to I-35E, Maryland Avenue has high traffic volume near I-35E. The county and city are examining options to improve safety knowing vehicle volume will remain high.

The benefits of a three-lane conversion include lower speeds, reduction of severe crashes and improved safety for pedestrians by reducing the number of lanes a pedestrian must cross. Four-to-three-lane conversions may reduce roadway capacity for vehicles and increase congestion. The three-lane test will allow the county to collect data to compare speed, travel time, delay, traffic volumes and pedestrian activity before and during the trial. These results will aid the county and city in determining whether Maryland Avenue can be permanently constructed as a three-lane roadway west of Edgerton Street through Payne Avenue.