More than Two and a Half Feet of Snow Fell in Keyser’s Ridge

(November 1, 2012) – Following the massive “superstorm”-Hurricane Sandy- that brought flooding rains and THIRTY INCHES of snow to Western Maryland, the State Highway Administration (SHA) Keyser’s Ridge Shop is assisting the county with local road clean up.  Additionally, SHA has deployed nearly 50 personnel from Howard, Carroll, Washington, and Allegany counties to assist in the ongoing state and local cleanup operations. 

Nearly three dozen dump trucks and a massive Oshkosh snow blower are among the SHA and contract equipment that is helping clear access to critical infrastructure including the Garrett Memorial Hospital, Garrett College, the Oakland Armory (early voting site) and several county landfills.

“Garrett County received an incredible amount of snow in a short period of time and one of the biggest challenges is removing snow-laden trees from travel lanes,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters, who is currently in Garrett County assessing the storm damage.  “SHA works very closely with our local government partners and we are pleased to be able to support Garrett County citizens.  We are all in this together and as a team, we will work to accelerate the clean up.”

As of Thursday morning, SHA assisted Garrett County crews by removing snow and trees off of Savage River, Westernport, Big Run, Green Lantern, Avilton Lonaconing, New Germany, Brenneman, Otto, Twin Churches, Chestnut Ridge, Jennings and Miller roads.  Yesterday, crews removed 187 trees and cleared 42 lane miles of roads.  Crews are expected to make considerable progress today with the additional trucks and personnel from the eastern counties.

Crews are working 12-hour shifts and will remain in Garrett County until roads are passable.

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