BOWIE, Md. — A 2018 traffic study of a controversial section of Church Road outside Bowie in Prince George's County is being blasted by some residents after the death of a 14-year-old boy who was struck and killed while jogging in a crosswalk Saturday.
14-year old Kamal Nashid was killed. Prince George's County police continue to investigate. The driver, who stopped, has not been charged.
Residents recently met with county officials to complain about speed through the area, where Church Road transforms from a winding 2-lane country road to a 4-lane straight shot between Fairview Vista Drive and Fairwood Parkway.
Prince George's County is now calling for a "road safety audit" after police finish with their investigation, according to a statement from Paulette Jones, spokesperson for the County's Department of Public Works and Transportation.
"Upon receipt of the final report from the Police Department, the Department of Public Works and Transportation will conduct a road safety audit," Jones told WUSA9.
The road was widened in the section to accommodate new housing developments.
The traffic study was commissioned by the City of Bowie, which plans to build a large indoor recreation complex near the scene of Saturday's tragedy.
The study found "all study intersections are currently operating at an acceptable Level of Service".
The authors determined traffic volume is growing at approximately 3% per year.
Vehicles may have to wait nearly a minute per car to make a left turn from Fairwood Parkway onto Church Road during morning rush hours, according to the study.
Residents told WUSA9 they would like to see traffic controls such as lights and stop signs installed to slow traffic down, make turning safer, and improve pedestrian safety.
The speed limit is 30 mph.
Church Road belongs to Prince George's County which has not made any recommendations for changes in the wake of meeting with citizens.
The City of Bowie, which does not own the road, would be responsible for any required improvements related to approval of the proposed indoor recreation center.
"The City of Bowie, Department of Public Works and Transportation and the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement did meet with the community to discuss their traffic concerns with the construction on a new recreational facility by the City of Bowie. The traffic study completed on behalf of the City was shared with the community," Jones said.