Summer Construction Update: Steinwehr Avenue Traffic Islands

Summer construction continues in Gettysburg — recent changes include concrete islands at the intersection of Baltimore Street and Steinwehr Avenue. This view was taken facing north at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Visitors to Gettysburg this summer have been presented with a number of road construction projects causing delays and detours to traffic within the town, as well as drawing ire from local businesses (especially on Steinwehr Avenue). The second phase of the West Middle Street construction is expected to begin after the anniversary (though the road continues to remain closed) and the Steinwehr project is estimated to complete sometime in July as well.

A more complete picture of the Steinwehr project’s recent update was provided by Gettysburg Borough Manager Florence Ford: “The final milling and paving of the wearing course on Steinwehr is scheduled for June 20, 21 and 22. Again, it will be closed at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and open to single lane traffic during the day. There are three crosswalks scheduled to be constructed on the 23, 24 and 25 of June. The crosswalks are anticipated to be a night time activity. Of course, all of these schedules may change due to weather conditions. We appreciate your patience. Everyone in the field is working hard to get this project complete on schedule.” More updates from the Borough can be found here.

The new concrete islands are designed to direct traffic more efficiently through this busy intersection. Notice the van whose left side is visible in the center of the photo? This van is making a left from Steinwehr Avenue (on the right) onto Baltimore Street. Previously cars would have driven from Steinwehr Avenue straight towards the camera position to make this turn. This view was taken facing south at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

The Gateway Mini Mart was the location of the Wagon Hotel in the 1860s. Baltimore Street is on the left, and the Emmitsburg Road (Steinwehr Avenue) is on the right. This view was taken facing south in 1884.

The islands are designed to direct traffic and improve safety. The closest concrete island here sends motorists traveling south on Baltimore Street and onto Steinwehr … This view was taken facing southeast at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

… but it’s this concrete island behind it that has caused the most discussion within the community. See the white arrow in the foreground? This view was facing southeast at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Bus operators traveling north on Baltimore Street attempting to make this left onto Steinwehr will need to aim for this arrow here. The flat concrete islands are supposedly designed to allow for buses to drive over them in the event that this left turn is too sharp. However, considering our experience with some bus operators who take tour groups to Gettysburg, and who have limited experience driving in small towns, we’ll be interested to see how this particular piece of the traffic puzzle plays out. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

It was also pointed out to us by a fellow Licensed Battlefield Guide that the two large trees which used to stand in front of the McClellan House (Jennie Wade House) have been removed. This view was taken facing southeast at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Though this picture was taken in the winter, you can see the two trees here with the East Cemetery Hill water tank in the right background. This view was taken facing east at approximately 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 21, 2009.

They provided some nice shade and it is sad to see them go. This view was taken facing east at approximately 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.