A recent traffic count reported an average 1,621 vehicles a day travel on Md. 79 through the village of Rosemont .The village's population was estimated at 309 in 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Also called Petersville Road, Md. 79 twists and undulates between Md. 180 and Brunswick . One sharp curve is posted with a recommended maximum speed of 30 mph.
With at least 1,500 houses being built near Brunswick , Rosemont 's commissioners are increasingly concerned about speeders through the village.
Speed has not been cited in a fatal wreck Sept. 30 on Md. 17 near Rosemont Drive. Commissioners were discussing speeders two days before that catastrophic wreck killed two.
Commissioner Steve Harshman reported to the commission Sept. 28 that a speed detection device gathered data near the intersection with Md. 180 during August.
The speed limit for most of the road is 40 mph, with a segment near Md. 17 set at 30 mph.
The speed detector found that the average speed of vehicles traveling from Brunswick toward Md. 180 was 29 mph, Harshman said.
The speed for a majority of drivers was 35 mph or below.
One vehicle was detected traveling 75 mph.
Going the other direction the average speed was 35 mph. Many traveled 44 mph or below, Harshman said.
While the August data show speeds close to the posted limit, "That was summer," Harshman said.
Once school began, speed likely would be greater among more drivers, he and commissioners said.
Also, they questioned whether the obvious speed detection device caused drivers to obey limits more carefully.
Commissioners agreed to pursue options to get new, more precise and detailed traffic data. They also want increased law enforcement.
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