A traffic light has been installed at the intersection of Watkins Mill Rd. and Russell Ave. in Gaithersburg. As of Saturday night, the light was not yet operational, but it appears as though it will be activated in the very near future.
According to the City of Gaithersburg, the intersection of Russell Avenue and Watkins Mill Road is a “T” intersection and is currently stop controlled on the Russell Avenue approach and free flow on the eastbound and westbound movements of Watkins Mill Road.
Based on safety concerns including input from area residents, the City of Gaithersburg had a traffic engineering consultant perform an evaluation of the intersection in 2022, which determined that a traffic signal is warranted and recommended. The project was approved for inclusion into the City’s Capital Improvement Program, with design completed in FY 24 and construction scheduled for FY25.
The City of Gaithersburg shares that the new traffic signal will improve safety with increased lighting levels, pedestrian signals, new striping improvements, and pedestrian countdown signals. The improvements are designed to meet all applicable American with Disabilities Act requirements, including all new pedestrian facilities and sidewalk ramps.