This intersection has been a problem for many years, but with the recent significant increase in traffic, it has become especially dangerous, as well as frustrating when the traffic backs up.
The State Highway Adminstration developed a plan to prohibit left turns for north-bound traffic from Belair Rd onto Sunshine Ave, and instead require a "New Jersey jug-handle" type turn, that is, requiring that traffic first turn right onto Jerusalem Road and then left onto Bradshaw. An extra lane was added to Bradshaw Rd to accomodate traffic turning left onto south-bound Belair Rd, and there were changes to the traffic signals in order to provide protected left turns for traffic in the other three directions.
On May 24, 2006, the new traffic pattern was put into effect. There remains other problems such as the mis-aligned signs on the traffic crossarms which can be seen by drivers from the wrong direction. Drivers are still regularly seen turning left onto Sunshine.
The situation was further confused when SHA removed two signs from westbound Bradshaw which tell drivers which lanes to use and a sign which prohibited right turns on red. The remaining steady red right-turn arrow is confusing, since the national standard (adopted by Maryland) says that this signal means that no right turn on red is allowed, in contradiction to a sign which was put up (in the wrong place) saying that right turns on red are allowed.
The initial accident reports indicate no improvement. During June-August 2005 there were 6 reported crashes and the same number during the same time period in 2006 after the change was put into effect. This will continue to be monitored.
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