SHA Works to Reduce Traffic on York Road

The State Highway Administration is using technology to reduce traffic congestion on York Road.

In early April, SHA traffic engineers readjusted traffic lights on York Road between Fairmount Ave. in Towson and Shawan Road in Cockeysville to increase traffic flow, primarily during high traffic hours. 

Green lights run longer during peak hours to prevent gridlock and reduce backup on side roads feeding into York Road, said Charlie Gischlar, a state highways spokesman.

There is also now a lagging left turn arrow from York Road onto Frankel Ave., near the Cockeysville Walmart, Gischlar said.

“York Road gets very congested because there is a lot of business there,” he said.

Early evaluations of the project are showing favorable results.

“There are times when it’s easier now to stay on York Road than to go on I-83,” Gischlar said.

In addition to reducing congestion, increased traffic flow reduces accidents and protects the environment from emissions released by idle vehicles, Gischlar said.

The state agency plans to do a more thorough evaluation in the fall.

“There’s generally a 14 to 15 percent decrease in traffic in the summer. People are on vacation, school’s out,” Gischlar said.