On June 22, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration activated a new traffic signal along MD 6 (Charles Street) at Calvert Street in La Plata, Charles County.  This is an emergency fire and rescue signal, controlled by Company 51, the Charles County Volunteer Rescue Squad, stationed on Calvert Street. 

The new signal replaces the previous signal that was destroyed by the 2002 tornado that swept through La Plata.  The signal activation was dedicated in honor of the late Susie Spalding, a lifelong La Plata resident who served as a 911 dispatcher and supervisor, and was President and Chief of the Charles County Volunteer Rescue Squad. 

Ms. Spalding passed away in April of this year.  Delegate Murray Levy joined Charles County Commissioners, SHA traffic engineers and Irene Spalding, mother of Susie Spalding, at the traffic signal activation this morning.

“This safety improvement is another step toward improving safety and traffic operations for La Plata’s emergency responders,” said District Engineer Lee Starkloff.  “With this signal, crews will be able to respond to incidents in a timely manner.”

The signal will flash red for Calvert Street and yellow for MD 6.  Company 51 rescue personnel will be able to activate the full-color provisions of the signal and stop traffic on MD 6 when responding to an emergency call.

On average, more than 21,000 vehicles travel MD 6 in the vicinity of Calvert Street each day.  The new signal was constructed by Traffic Systems Inc., of Harmans, MD, and cost approximately $50,000. 

During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones across Maryland.  Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.