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Major Roads Pre-Treated; Motorists Should Plan Overnight and Early Saturday Travel Accordingly
(December 16, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is making final preparations for winter weather expected to bring a combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain to much of Maryland. For the past two days, crews pre-treated interstates and other major roads salt brine, which helps reduce the initial bonding of snow and ice from adhering to the pavement.
The latest forecasts indicate precipitation will begin as snow in central and northern Maryland and change to sleet, freezing rain and then all rain through early Saturday. Overnight travel could be slick, especially on elevated sections of roadways such as bridges, ramps and overpasses.
“SHA reminds drivers that, while four-wheel drive helps when it snows, icy roads are extremely dangerous, even if you encounter a small patch,” said SHA Administrator Gregory C. Johnson, P.E. “Speed limits are set for optimal conditions so please keep speeds down and allow for extra braking distance. Crews will be out working to make your travels safe so we ask that you give them the space to do so.”
Drivers can view the latest road conditions on SHA’s website at
www.roads.maryland.gov and clicking “CHART.” 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 travelled routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.
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