The St. Mary's County Transportation Advisory Committee convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss various transportation issues affecting the region. The meeting focused on intersection improvements, traffic signal updates, and the potential for light rail extensions in Southern Maryland.

The committee began by addressing the recent intersection improvements designed by a traffic engineer, which have been submitted to the State Highway Administration for review and approval. These enhancements aim to align local intersections with standard driver expectations, ensuring safety and consistency for motorists. The committee noted that the installation of new traffic signals would include prominent warning lights to alert drivers of upcoming changes.

A significant topic of discussion was the reinstatement of protected left turn signals from FDR Boulevard onto Chancellor's Run Road. After a two-year delay, the State Highway Administration approved the return of these signals, which had been temporarily removed. The committee explained that the initial decision to eliminate the signals was based on projected traffic patterns that did not materialize as expected. As traffic increased with the opening of FDR Boulevard, the need for dedicated left turn signals became apparent, leading to their reinstatement.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding the intersection at Buck Hewitt Road, where left turns are currently restricted. This decision was made by the state to limit the number of left turn points due to increased traffic in the area. While some committee members expressed frustration over this limitation, they acknowledged that recent changes now allow for left turns from Buck Hewitt onto FDR Boulevard.

In addition to local traffic issues, the committee discussed the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) project, which aims to extend light rail services into neighboring counties. Recent meetings indicated that this project remains a priority, with state funding matched by federal sources. However, uncertainty remains regarding the timeline for implementation. Committee members expressed skepticism about the project's ability to significantly reduce commuter traffic on Route 5, citing data that suggests commuters prefer fewer mode changes when traveling.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring these transportation developments and their impacts on the community. The committee plans to keep the momentum going as they navigate the complexities of local and regional transportation needs.