MDOT SHA Logo
(January 20, 2015) – Another work week is underway – along with another forecast for potential snow during rush hour. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) urges motorists to closely monitor weather forecasts as meteorologists predict snow during the Wednesday morning and/or evening commutes. Current forecasts say precipitation could begin early to mid-morning, impacting the early rush hour.
Anticipating the predicted weather, today SHA crews are pre-treating major roads and interstates with salt brine as an initial measure to prevent snow accumulation. As pavement temperatures throughout much of Maryland are expected to be right around freezing overnight and into early Wednesday, motorists should consider delaying travel based on the latest conditions.
“For the third consecutive week, forecasters call for precipitation during a weekday commute and we cannot stress enough that a difference of only one or two degrees is the difference between wet roads and treacherous slippery roads,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “With pavement temperatures expected to be right around freezing or just below, we again ask motorists to take these warnings seriously. Make decisions now, such as delaying travel plans, while we take care of clearing roads for your travel.”
SHA crews are again closely monitoring the storm and will be out in advance of any wintry precipitation. SHA crews will use salt, salt brine and sand to provide additional traction for vehicles and assist with deicing the roads.
Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device or logging onto
www.MD511.org. Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most frequented routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.
# # #