Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Starting Friday, there will be some changes to one of the most confusing traffic spots in the region.
Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians fight a never-ending battle on Memorial Circle to prevent accidents.
The National Park Service, which controls the circle as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, is going to change 46 signs and add roadway markings near the exit to the Memorial Bridge to try and clear up some of the confusion.
Jon James, acting superintendent of the parkway, says the park service will use money from the park service’s existing budget.
He says the signs will have “concise text, in directions that are easily understood.”
James says eventually they will be moving one of the crosswalks further away from the circle to make it less dangerous. The U.S. Park Police says there are dozens of near misses at the circle and a large number of accidents.
The intersection, which is technically in the District of Columbia, adjoins Arlington County on three sides. It is part of a national park.
Cars often have to cross over lanes to get from one side of the circle to the other. Park Police Capt. Scott Fear says speed is often an issue and posting more speed limit signs will help. Rumble strips will also be added to alert drivers before the crosswalks.
James says they hope to have the signage and road markings done by the end of this summer.
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