Changes to the Roundabout & Parking on York Road
Frequently Asked Questions
- What changes and where?
- Whose idea was this?
- When will I see changes?
- Why change the Roundabout?
- What changes can I expect on the Roundabout?
- When can I park on York?
- How long will it take to get through Towson?
- What alternative routes can I take?
- What are Trailblazer Signs?
Q. What changes and where?
A. In June, Baltimore County and the State Highway Administration will make changes to York Road and the Roundabout to bolster Towson’s retail and restaurant district. The changes are designed to make downtown Towson more inviting to pedestrians.
Q. Whose idea was this?
A. The changes to York Road and the roundabout were developed over several years as part of Towson’s “walkability” plan – a cooperative project of civic and business organizations working with local government.
Q. When will I see changes?
A. Highway crews will be working during the week of June 15, 2008 and are planning to complete the Roundabout installation by Friday, June 20, 2008. Following changes to the Roundabout, parking will be permitted on York Road.
Q. Why change the Roundabout?
A. Changes to the Roundabout reflect a consensus of community and business groups in Towson which encourage commerce and livability by making the area welcoming to pedestrians and shoppers. The first step is to moderate traffic and increase parking.
Q. What changes can I expect on the Roundabout?
A. The State and County plan to slow traffic in the Roundabout by constricting some entry and exit points, bumping out the center island and guiding vehicles to the most logical and direct lanes.
Q. When can I park on York?
A. Parking will be permitted on York Road but limited to one hour between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Parking outside these hours will be unrestricted.
Q. How long will it take to get through Towson?
A. Traffic through downtown Towson will be slowed to encourage pedestrians. The ease of getting through York Road and the Roundabout should increase as commuters and frequent travelers learn alternative routes.
Q. What alternative routes can I take?
A. Traffic has been ”signed” around Towson, directing vehicles to use Bosley Avenue and Fairmont Avenue as alternate approaches to the Beltway.
Q. What are Trailblazer Signs?
A. Trailblazer signs show the I-695 shield with arrows. These were installed in early April and highlight alternatives that motorists can choose to get through Towson quickly. Alternatives to York Road include Bosley Avenue, Fairmount Avenue, Towsontown Boulevard and the Burke-to-Bosley Avenue Bypass.
Revised October 11, 2011
