(October 30, 2012 – Noon) - Today Acting Transportation Secretary Darrell B. Mobley announced that the temporary speed limit reduction initiated Monday afternoon ends at noon today, however drivers are strongly encouraged to drive at the appropriate speed for weather conditions. Acting Secretary made the announcement at the close of Governor Martin O’Malley’s briefing on the State’s ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy. The Governor reminded motorists of the need to heed a new law that requires drivers to treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops. Do not assume you or the other driver has the right-of-way; make eye contact if possible and proceed safely through the intersection." Motorists who do venture out should also remember that when your windshield wipers are on, your lights should be on.
The State Highway Administration (SHA) is monitoring conditions from the Statewide Operations Center near BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and responding across the entire State from Ocean City to Garrett County. SHA reports nearly 100 roads temporarily closed due to high water and tree or debris clearing, as well as approximately 130 known signals without power and impacted by the storm.
“Overnight, more than 1,200 personnel responded to several locations due to standing water, signal outages and snowfall. Today, please remain on the alert for crews who are clearing drains, removing debris and trees and assessing damage,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Now is not the time to fall into a comfort zone, even as the weather changes.”
SHA has one long-term closure in Worcester County along MD 346 (Old Ocean City Road) over Long Ridge Branch in Whaleyville. A section of MD 346 washed out, and is closed at Hall Road to the east, MD 610 (Whaleyville Road) to the west and Sheppards Crossing Road west of the structure. Motorists must use Hall Road, US 50 (Ocean Gateway) and MD 610 as detour routes.
In addition, those who plan to travel in western Maryland are advised that snow continues to fall in western Maryland.
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. When conditions return to normal and you resume driving, remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
For Maryland Emergency Management Agency information, go to
www.mema.state.md.us for the latest storm track and preparedness information.
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