A petition to fix congestion on Maryland Route 3 is circulating in Anne Arundel. The appeal calls for extra lanes and better traffic lights.
Jacob Baumgart, Patch Staff
Posted Wed, Oct 20, 2021 at 4:23 pm ET|Updated Wed, Oct 20, 2021 at 4:24 pm ET
The Friends of Andrew Pruski, a political action committee supporting the District 4 county council member, started a petition this week to reduce traffic and add lanes on Maryland Route 3 in Anne Arundel County. The highway is pictured above. (Google Maps)
GAMBRILLS, MD — A petition to reduce traffic and add lanes on Maryland Route 3, also known as Crain Highway, is circulating in Anne Arundel County. The thoroughfare is frequently congested between Millersville, Gambrills, Crofton and Bowie. With frequent traffic lights, many drivers are frustrated with the high-volume road.
The petition was started this week by the Friends of Andrew Pruski, a political action committee supporting the District 4 county council member. The appeal had 120 signatures by 4:05 p.m. Wednesday. The goal is 200 supporters.
"Now is the time to fix and improve Maryland Route 3," the post on change.org said. "There are concerns of speed, flow, and density of traffic."
Signers worry about the safety of walkers near the highway, which is home to shopping hubs like The Village at Waugh Chapel and the Waugh Chapel Towne Centre. One backer, Loubna Presley, suggested adding footbridges near these areas.
"Accidents are increasing on Maryland Route 3," the petition added. "There is a lack of pedestrian access near shopping and commercial districts."
The document reminded residents that the highway is a state road. That means any problems require state solutions. The appeal urged action from Gov. Larry Hogan, the Maryland General Assembly and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. The petition pitched these upgrades to the road:
Enhancing traffic signal synchronization
Revamping entry and exit points
Increasing visibility at intersections by trimming trees
Widening lanes and shoulders
Building an additional northbound and southbound lane between St. Stephens Church Road and Millersville Road
"This has been an issue in our community for a long time," Pruski said on Facebook. "We need to see some action at the state level." The petition is viewable at this link.