Speed Humps, New Paths, Road Changes Proposed In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — Speed humps, raised crosswalks, narrower roads and new pedestrian and bicycle pathways are among several transportation improvements being considered in Columbia as Howard County officials aim to improve safety for drivers, people and bicyclists.

The county is seeking public feedback on the proposed traffic-calming improvements set to be made along Stonecutter Road and Hayshed Lane.

A public meeting will be held Oct. 28 to discuss the plans for Stonecutter Road and Hayshed Lane. Specifically, the proposed improvements include speed humps, a raised crosswalk and curb extensions, sometimes called bump-outs, along Stonecutter Road. The county also is considering narrowing Hayshed Lane to encourage drivers to slow down.

The project is intended to address excessive vehicle speeds and improve safety for residents traveling through the neighborhood.

“In Howard County, we are committed to making our streets and roads safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Through our Neighborhood Traffic Calming program, we are bringing more traffic calming solutions to neighborhoods to slow down speeds and improve safety across the county.”

Ball said the county has invested more than $1.3 million in neighborhood traffic-calming projects since updating its Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy last year.

The Oct. 28 meeting will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Rooms 346 and 347 at the county's Office of Aging and Independence, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia.

County staff will explain the proposals, answer questions and gather feedback. Residents who cannot attend will be able to review the plans afterward on the county's traffic-calming website.