Crime & Safety

Police Urge Caution at Disabled Traffic Signals

Many motorists feel no obligation to stop at intersections where traffic signals are out, state police said.

Maryland State Police and Baltimore County police are urging motorists to use caution when driving through intersections where traffic signals aren’t functioning following Hurricane Irene.

According to a news release, state police are reporting that many motorists are acting as if they don't have to stop at intersections where traffic signals are not working—something police say could have deadly consequences.

State police, along with the State Highway Administration, are reminding all motorists that if they approach an intersection with a non-working traffic signal, they should stop first and then proceed with caution.

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According to the news release, if lights are flashing, those facing yellow can proceed with caution, while those who face red flashing lights must first stop and then proceed with caution.

BGE spokeswoman Linda Foy said crews are working as fast as possible to get power restored in areas where traffic signals are not working.

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"Traffic lights are also a priority for us, and are being worked as part of our overall strategy to address public safety and critical infrastructure issues first,” Foy said. “We are still in the process of addressing these issues, which include traffic lights."

SHA spokeswoman Lora Rakowski said the following traffic signals stationed along state roads are not working as of 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Parkville-Overlea area:

  • MD 552 (Loch Raven Boulevard) at Cromwell Bridge Road, no left turns allowed.
  • MD 552 at Joppa Road
  • MD 147 (Harford Road) at Sunshine Avenue

“Most of out traffic light outages are due to the power outages,” said Rakowski, who added SHA crews have placed cones at many of the intersections to restrict left turns.

“Once power is restored, we expect the signals to be functional again. We will also have signal technicians on the scene to ensure they are working properly and that the timing is correct.”

Associate Regional Editor Bryan P. Sears contributed to this story.


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