Dark Signals and Felled Trees Present Driving Challenges Tonight and Tomorrow Morning; Crews Respond to Blizzard-like Snow Accumulations in Western Maryland; Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead for Tomorrow Travel
(October 30, 2012 – 6 p.m.) - The Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) Emergency Operations Center and more than 650 crews continue to respond to flooding, snow, felled trees and dark signals across the State. Driving hazards will persist through the night and early morning as more motorists resume travel. SHA cautions those traveling this evening and tomorrow morning to remain vigilant: dark signals and felled trees will be more difficult to detect during the night and early morning hours. Pedestrians should take extra steps to be visible to drivers – wearing bright clothing or some type of reflective device and crossing at well lit intersections. At this hour, some roadways are temporarily closed and more than 80 signals remain out. Dozens of lane closures are in effect. Motorists along coastal areas of the State should be mindful of high tides as this can present additional possible flooding concerns.
“Looking at traffic cameras around the State, more people are traveling this evening, and we expect morning rush hour volumes to be returning to normal tomorrow – but we must continue to ask that drivers exercise vigilance and give themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Although SHA crews have been responding around the clock and are diligently addressing the damage Sandy left in her wake, we are still seeing new high water closures as the tide moves in and expect to see additional felled trees.”
“Remember the new law that directs us how to navigate intersections with dark signals,” added Administrator Peters. “Especially at night and tomorrow morning, drivers will need to stop at all intersection approaches where traffic signals are without power before proceeding. Never make any assumptions about what the driver next to you is going to do.”
More than 24 inches of snow have been reported in Garrett County; drivers in far Western Maryland should check on road conditions before leaving for their destinations. SHA reports nearly 100 lane closures temporarily closed due to high water and tree or debris clearing, as well as more than 100 known signals without power and impacted by the storm. For the most up to date highway traffic information, know before you go and call 511 (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.
The MVA will be open for business as usual on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, although some MVA Branch Offices and Vehicle Emission Inspection Stations may be impacted by power outages. Please check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 for updates.
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