LA PLATA, Md. (April 21, 2010)—This week Charles County began the construction of two new sidewalks designed to improve the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in the urban core of Waldorf.
The first project will construct a 5-foot wide, 1,635-foot long concrete sidewalk on the north side of Smallwood Drive, from the State Commuter Bus Park and Ride parking lot and VanGo terminal westward to connect with the existing sidewalk at O’Donnell Lake. The new sidewalk will cross intersections at the entrance to the St. Charles Towne Center and Mall Circle.
The second project will construct a 5-foot wide, 1,500-foot long concrete sidewalk on the west side of Western Parkway from the entrance to the Wawa, located on the corner of MD Route 228, southward to Millbrook Court.
Both projects will provide a safer place for pedestrians to walk on Smallwood Drive and Western Parkway.
Commissioner Gary V. Hodge and Commissioner Reuben B. Collins, whose districts cover Waldorf and the urban core of the County, proposed the sidewalk demonstration project to their colleagues a year ago.
In his remarks introducing the proposal, Commissioner Hodge expressed his concern for the safety of pedestrians, especially on cold and rainy winter mornings and evenings, making their way down the narrow, slippery and muddy path along Smallwood Drive to the Commuter Bus Park and Ride lot.
Commissioner Hodge commented, “This project will help ensure that citizens who use public transportation arrive safely at their destinations.”
The Charles County Commissioners approved the project and it was funded from an existing “Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Program” in the County budget.
The construction of a second stretch of new sidewalk on Western Parkway was proposed by Commissioner Collins, who commented that, “The construction of the sidewalk will increase pedestrian traffic within the Festival Way corridor which is a major commercial/residential hub located in the heart of Waldorf. The continuation of the pedestrian safety demonstration project will eventually reduce vehicular traffic in this vicinity as well.”
The two projects are expected to be completed by early June.
Source: Charles County Government