Friday, September 16, 2022

Bay Bridge automated lane closure is coming

 

(WTOP Radio)

Maryland has been working for years to make getting across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge faster and more efficient. Highway officials say the next step in the process is going to be implemented soon.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said it expects that a new automated lane closure system will be activated “in the fall.” They aren’t sure exactly when.

Between long-term construction and maintenance on the bridge, as well as the added eastbound lane every afternoon rush hour, lanes are closed multiple times per day. Currently, a crew has to rush out and set up barrels and cones. It can take 30 to 45 minutes to get everything in place on both sides of the bridge.

But the new system will be able to trigger the activation of gates that swing across lanes automatically, closing lanes much faster.

“It’s going to have three scenarios — either a green X, yellow X, or red X,” said William Pines, executive director of the Maryland Transportation Authority. “When motorists see that yellow X, they should be getting out of the lane, because when the red X is in place they should be out of the lane.”

It’s estimated that the transition from an open lane to a closed lane will take about 15 minutes.

“After the red X is deployed, then the horizontal swing gates will be deployed into place and we have to wait for all the traffic that’s still in the lane to actually clear the lane,” said Pines. “Just like if you come up to a red light, you know that you can’t go through an intersection. In the exact same way, when they see that red X, they need to be out of the lane and moving into a lane that is open.”

Besides being faster and more efficient, the new system also makes the bridge safer for drivers and the workers who have to drive out and put the cones out manually.

“Unfortunately in our history we have lost an employee” who was setting up cones and barrels, said Pines. “It is a dangerous operation working next to live traffic.”

Overhead signs will also be in place warning drivers of problems ahead about 2 ½ miles away from the eastbound span and 1 ½ miles away from the westbound bridge. The gates will be stored on the median.

Much of the infrastructure and construction is already finished, and you can see the gates in place.

The MDTA is working on software integration and testing before it rolls out the new system.

The system is part of a $58 million reconstruction of the former toll plaza. The state tore down toll booths and reconfigured the lanes approaching and leaving the bridge on the western shore, and installed the electronic tolling on the Kent Island side.

Time Machine Preview

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye:

1939  ..  


1995  ..  


1911  ..  Something new and improved for Eastern Shore Farmers- (Ad)



1992  ..  

1885  ..  


Plus Eastern Shore history author Jim Duffy's TV segment about local players who made it big in Football.

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Artists coming for "Paint Worcester County"

 (Bayside Gazette)

From this Sunday, Sept. 18 through Friday, Sept. 23, 46 plein-air artists from five different states will descend upon Worcester County to take advantage of all the sights the county has to offer — from Pocomoke City to Ocean Pines and everywhere in between.

(View article:)

https://baysideoc.com/paint-worcester-county-returns-next-week/

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

What's next in Snow Hill's riverboat saga?

 (WBOC)


The "Black-Eyed Susan" riverboat in Snow Hill has gone through $300,000 of repairs. Tuesday's town hall meeting discussed the idea of the mayor bringing in contractors to assess damages.

(View news story:)

Snow Hill's "Black-Eyed Susan" Riverboat Under Discussion | Latest News | wboc.com

Pocomoke Public Eye reader comment:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now THIS is funny. This is a great example of what happens when local government gets involved in private industry. Kind of like Pocomoke City officials thinking they know how to run a restaurant. I am so glad Susan (Marshall) Harrison was wise enough to stay far away from this turkey.



Tuesday, September 13, 2022

"Swifttags" alert

 If you are renewing your motor vehicle registration online be sure you are dealing directly with the Motor Vehicle Administration and not with an intermediary who will add a hefty service fee for processing your order.

"After ordering my registration renewal online I promptly received confirmation from the MVA.  A few minutes later I received the following from a company named Swifttags.  Attempts to cancel their service was to no avail."


We confirm that your order has been processed successfully. The invoice attached contains the final amount that was charged to your card.

Your initial payment previously charged has now been adjusted accordingly.


If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team via email: support@swifttags.net

With kind regards,
Swifttags team





Monday, September 12, 2022

Paddle for a cause Saturday in Snow Hill

            

September 12th is National Police Woman Day

                              


Pocomoke City Police Department shows honor and respect to the women who choose to serve and protect their communities on National Police Woman Day!

Thank You to Sgt A Lewis and Officer R Northam for serving and protecting the citizens of Pocomoke City.



Sunday, September 11, 2022

Time Machine: 2001, 2002, 1913, 1884, 1996, and local history author's TV segment: The Hero of Tangier Sound.

 


Remembering Nine-Eleven

Salisbury Daily Times headline the day after 9/11/2001.



January, 2002











The Salisbury Daily Times 


October, 1913

Crisfield Times


May, 1884

The Times (Philadelphia)


January, 1996


The Somerset Herald


The Hero of Tangier Sound

Throwback Thursday: The Hero of Tangier Sound – DelmarvaLife



Saturday, September 10, 2022

Princess Anne property tax breaks

 

(WMDT)

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- Seniors in Princess Anne over 70 years old with property in the area can now qualify for a 500-dollar tax break thanks to a new resolution that passed the town council.

(View news story:)

$500 Dollar credit for seniors in Princess Anne - 47abc (wmdt.com)


Friday, September 9, 2022

Time Machine Preview

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye: 

Year and event..?? 


2002  ..  


1913  ..  


1884  ..   

1996  ..  Princess Anne memories recalled-

Plus local history author Jim Duffy's TV segment: The Hero of Tangier Sound.

 (Shore Daily News)

The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is excited about plans for the 49th Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival slated to be held on October 8, 2022 at Tom’s Cove Park located at 8128 Beebe Road. Less than 500 tickets remain to be sold. Order online today at ChincoteagueChamber.com , stop by the Chamber office, 6733 Maddox Boulevard, or call 757-336-6161 Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Read more about it:

Oyster Festival tickets almost sold out - Shore Daily News

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Hit and Run update

 


View news release:

Police Locate Two Vehicles Of Interest As Investigation Continues Into Wicomico Co. Hit And Run Fatal (maryland.gov)

Footnote: The victim of the mid-August incident was manager of the Tokyo Steakhouse in Salisbury, and son of the owner. The restaurant is now reopening after having been closed since the hit and run.