(input by Monica Worrell)
Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has received a grant provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to target motorists who fail to stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing.  Over 34,000 Harford County students ride a bus to and from school each day. This grant enhances the Sheriff’s Office enforcement efforts of the state law requiring motorists to stop their vehicles when they approach a school bus with its red lights flashing. “Our goal is to keep our children safe,” said Sgt. Joseph VanSeeters, Supervisor of the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit.  “This grant will provide the funding for a deputy to follow school buses where we have identified a chronic problem of violations.” Maryland law requires the driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school vehicle to stop at least 20 feet from the rear or front of the school vehicle when its alternating flashing red lights are operating. The driver of any vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternating flashing red lights are deactivated. A violation of this article may result in a fine of $570.00.  For additional information, please contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Traffic unit at 410-692-7872.

The Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips for motorists driving during school hours:

• Drive slow and watch for children traveling to and from school when driving in neighborhoods with marked school zones
• Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• Learn and understand the flashing light system school bus drivers use to alert motorists for stopping.

Newsletter
Sign up for our Constant Contact email list through our website at www.harfordsheriff.org to keep on top of the news about crime and to receive periodic safety tips.  Remember, Crime Prevention starts with you!

From the Harford County Government:

(Bel Air, MD – December 24, 2008) – - Harford Transit is proud to present Saturday service beginning January 10, 2009 on the following fixed routes: the 1/1A (Havre de Grace, Aberdeen, Bel Air); 2/2A (Joppatowne, Abingdon, Edgewood, Bel Air); and 6/6A (Aberdeen, Edgewood). The service will run from 7 AM to 5 PM (except the 6/6A, which will run from 6:55 AM to 4:56 PM).  (click here to continue article)

Reposted from the Baltimore Sun:

Harford Transit has started a new Demand Response Service for eligible senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and low-income wage earners.

The service is available from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays. The fare is $2 (Harford Transit-issued vouchers will be accepted) to take eligible participants wherever they need to go. Reservations must be made by 2 p.m. the working day before travel is planned.

The service area includes parts of Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood and Havre de Grace, and areas in between. A map of the service area with boundaries is online at www.harfordtransit.org.

Individuals with disabilities are given priority for this service. Passengers must verify their disability through an existing service: ADA Paratransit, SSTAP/Demand Response, or the Reduced Fare Program.

Residents 60 and older may use the service if they are registered with Harford Transit. Low-income residents of any age may use this service if they are referred to Harford Transit by Harford County Department of Social Services or Susquehanna Workforce.

Harford Transit dispatchers will determine eligibility for those with disabilities and senior citizens, using existing procedures. For low-income residents, dispatchers should have a written referral from one of the referring agencies (e-mail is acceptable with documentation).

All trips will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but in the event that a priority needs to be established, those with disabilities will get first priority.

Information: 410-612-1620.

A major $38 million road construction project is to begin on Rt. 24 and Rt. 924, extending from the I-95 interchange north to the Rt. 24 bridge crossing Winters Run (just south of Singer Rd.)

First, a temporary intersection will be built at Routes 24 and 924, just south of the existing intersection.  Next an overpass bridge will be built over Rt. 924 which is intended to eliminate the traffic signal, chaotic traffic patterns and resulting daily traffic backups.  During this time the Rt. 24 bridge over I-95 will be widened and new I-95 ramps will be built.  Upon completion the temporary intersection at Rt. 924 will be removed and landscaping restored.

Expect 3 years of traffic delays through 2011; leave early and drive safe!

Visit these links for more information:

MD State Highway Administration

MD Transportation Authority

Scoop article on Dagger Press

Baltimore Sun Article

rt 24 and rt 924 bridge project

Via APG News: Aberdeen Proving Ground will close the Route 24 (Hoadley Road) Gate 11 p.m., Oct. 4 to make necessary upgrades and expansions in preparation for the base realignment and closure, or BRAC. The gate will remain closed until the summer of 2009.

The Magnolia Road Gate on Route 152 will open at 11 p.m., Oct. 4 and will operate as the main gate to the Edgewood Area of APG. It will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. It will be the only gate open to visitors and commercial vehicles.

The operating hours for the Wise Road Gate on Route 755 will remain the same, 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and closed on weekends and holidays.  Only vehicles with government and RapidGate identification will be permitted to use the Wise Road gate.

For more information call 410-278-1147, 410-278-1153, or 800-688-8705.