We heard a lot about drivers generally speeding more often and behaving more recklessly in 2020 because there were fewer vehicles on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic, and a new study from AAA mid-Atlantic provides specific evidence related to that.
The study focuses on the bridge replacement work zone on the Capital Beltway above the Suitland Parkway in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
According to the study, 105,362 speed camera tickets were given out in that particular area throughout 2020. That represents a nearly 12% increase over the year before, when 94,308 speed camera tickets were issued there.
“This Beltway work zone sees 71.9 million vehicles per year,” said John Townsend, a spokesman for AAA mid-Atlantic. “Despite conspicuous warning signs in its work zones, an average of 300 speeders were ticketed per day in 2020.”
A lot of progress has been made on a project to add a new interchange to Indian Head Highway/Md. 210 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The work includes the construction of a new overpass at Kerby Hill and Livingston Roads.
“Both the overpass and new intersection are substantially complete and expected to open later this year,” said Shanteé Felix with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration.
As of the end of April, the project is 83% complete, Felix told WTOP in an email.
The project includes the realignment of both Kerby Hill and Livingston, which did not meet before the overhaul began. Cars on those two roads will eventually be able to drive over Indian Headway, which planners hope will alleviate congestion in that region.