Bike Lanes Planned For Route 113 In Berlin

BERLIN — Improved pedestrian safety features, a more walkable town and comprehensive educational resources are all in the works for Berlin, according to a report by the town’s Pedestrian Safety Committee (PSC).

The committee met with the State Highway Association (SHA) on May 14 to discuss recently installed pedestrian safety features on Route 113 as well as what’s next on the itinerary. The committee reported the results of that meeting to the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday.

The features that have already been implemented, including plans for a new crosswalk at the intersection of Bay Street and Route 113 and a reduced speed limit on the highway as it bisects town, are already showing signs of success, according to PSC Chair Patricia Dufendach.

“I think I hear a difference on the highway,” she told the Mayor and Council Monday. “It sounds quieter to me. It sounds like cars are going slower. I’m hoping that people are paying attention.”

The crosswalks at Bay Street are still a work in progress. Dufendach confirmed that the plan is to complete them in September by installing both and visual countdown cues. As for the newly lowered speed limit, which was dropped from 55 mph to 45 mph as Route 113 cuts through Berlin, Dufendach said that she has seen multiple law enforcement agencies cooperating to enforce the change.

“People should see the state troopers and the police and the city police,” she said. “They’re stopping people. They’re sitting on the road. It’s reduced. You’re going to get a ticket if you don’t slow down.”

In addition to everything that has already been implemented, Dufendach revealed that SHA has several other pokers in the fire. Bicycle lane markings will be added this summer to Route 113 between Old Ocean City Blvd. and Main Street. While bicycles can already ride on the highway legally, Dufendach said that the new markings should make everyone more comfortable and hopefully increase safety for non-motorists.

“There will be a bicycle lane on Route 113 in Berlin in the town between [Routes] 346 and 818. [They will be] 45 mph bicycle lanes. People will be able to take their bicycles, have a place, even though it’s legal to do it now people may feel insecure,” she said. “It’s going to be clearly marked now. Bicycle lanes are a part of Berlin, there’s no question about it.”

Also in the works are pedestrian safety improvements to the intersection of Old Ocean City Blvd. (Route 346) and Route 113. SHA is planning to do a right-of-way study for the area in June, according to Dufendach, and will be considering adding features such as sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signals. It’s still early in the process, according to Dufendach.

Additionally, SHA is considering adding a path between Old Ocean City Blvd and Bay Street which could make the town a more walkable/bikeable location. Such a project would be far in the future but it is a definite possibility, said Dufendach.

“I’m grateful that they’re putting us in their budget. We’re part of the action now and that means that it’s going to happen. But it’s going to take time,” she said of upcoming SHA projects.

On Berlin’s end, the focus will be on awareness and education. The PSC is working to get BerlinWalkSmart.com online. Once the site is up, it will be used as an educational resource with tips, suggestions and general information.

It’s been a long process since the fatal accident in November sparked a demand for safety reform on Route 113. Dufendach credited whatever success that has been seen so far in improving the situation to the community raising a collective voice and offering SHA more than a few good suggestions.