Â鶹´«Ã½

According to State Highway Administration spokesperson Charlie Gischlar, the closure is temporary but will remain in effect until a permanent safety improvement is designed and constructed. In the meantime, SHA is evaluating additional safety measures for the US 301/MD 405 intersection.

The action follows two deadly collisions at the site last week, resulting in three fatalities.

On Thursday, July 24, a two-vehicle crash occurred around noon, leaving two people dead at the scene.

Just two days earlier, on Tuesday morning, July 22, another woman was killed when her vehicle was struck by a southbound car as she attempted to cross Route 301. The impact caused her vehicle to overturn. The other vehicle’s two occupants — a 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman — were flown to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore in critical condition.

The State Highway Administration had previously closed the same crossover in 2024. That closure remained in effect for nearly two months and was lifted after SHA implemented sight distance improvements at the intersection, including reconfiguring the westbound MD 405 approach to slightly turn vehicles to the right and trimming roadside trees.

Between January 2019 and December 2023, there were 76 reported crashes at the crossover, 62 of which occurred in the southbound lanes. Most were attributed to driver inattention or failure to yield.

According to Gischlar, SHA staff remain in direct communication with local emergency responders. The current median closure configuration was originally recommended by the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Department and has been effective in maintaining emergency access.

Some residents have expressed concerns about redirecting traffic to the MD 19 crossover and the safety risks associated with increased turning movements or U-turns there. SHA acknowledged those challenges.

“There are challenges with at-grade crossings along a major highway, especially as we observe traffic volumes, speed and distracted driving behaviors continue to increase,� Gischlar said. “Crossings such as MD 19 and Hayden Clark Road are well-marked with flashers to alert drivers to potential cross traffic.�

Additional long-term improvements are under evaluation.

“SHA is committed to improving safety for motorists along this corridor,� Gischlar said. “We are evaluating larger safety improvements; however, our immediate focus is addressing the safety concerns with near-term projects that improve safety conditions and assist motorists in making good driving decisions.�