Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead and Leave Early

(February 8, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is preparing for the next winter storm of the season, with precipitation expected to begin during today’s afternoon rush hour and continue all day Tuesday.  While precipitation is forecasted to begin as rain in the Baltimore and Washington metro areas, it is expected to change over quickly to snow.  The message to drivers – avoid a nightmare commute and stay off the roads to give crews space to work.

“With another storm expected to begin during or just after the evening commute, we implore motorists to be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” said SHA Administrator Gregory C. Johnson, P.E. “Crews will be out in advance of any snowfall but if our huge trucks are stuck in traffic, they cannot salt or plow as needed.  Plan ahead, watch for the latest forecasts and drive with caution.”

The SHA and contract crews pre-treated interstates and some primary roads on Sunday and will continue pre-treatment today.  SHA’s Emergency Operations center will activate later today and remain active throughout the storm to manage operations.

In storms that are predicted to produce six or more inches of snow, SHA makes some park and rides available to truckers to ride out the storm.  Click here for a map and access to a free mobile application for the park and ride locations.

If you must drive, plan extra time in accordance with the weather and reduce speeds.  Stay behind snow plow and plow trains as the untreated road is ahead of them, and the plowed/treated are behind them. “Don’t Crowd the Plow.”

SHA maintains the State numbered, non-tolled roads in Maryland.  For a listing of which jurisdiction maintains a specific road, click link - http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/KnowYourRoads.html.

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.

Customers may also follow the Maryland Department of Transportation and SHA on Twitter @MDOTNews and @MDSHA and look for #mdotnews and #mdtraffic.  You can also “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration.