(October 29, 2012) – 3:00 p.m.  Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), State Police (MSP) and Transportation Authority (MDTA) have lowered all speed limits on interstate and US routes to 45 mph effective immediately and until further notice. All three agencies discourage any travel during the expected upcoming height of the storm.  This reduction in speed limit also applies to all first responders, relief workers, utility crews and other essential personnel.
 
“Lowering the speed limit is necessary since speed and high wind is a dangerous combination.  By reducing speed limit, our goal is to keep our emergency responders safe.  For all members of the general public, we can’t stress enough the importance of staying off the roads as this unprecedented storm strikes Maryland,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “Stay home. There are more than 12,000 people responding along state and toll roadways. By staying home you allow them, utility crews and police to do their jobs.”

 

For more information about Sandy, view the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website at www.mema.state.md.us.

 

For the most up to date highway traffic information, call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org or www.traffic.maryland.gov.   Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

 

For more general - non storm specific information, follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration

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