Crews Clearing Drainage Systems, Helping to Clear Downed Trees from Roadways
(May 17, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) crews continue to respond to flooded areas throughout the State. Most of Maryland has been experiencing heavy rainfall for several days and the ground is saturated, so low-lying areas are prone to flooding.
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected Thursday night into Friday morning, exasperating already saturated regions. This increases the likelihood of vulnerable trees to topple, closing roads and creating power outages.
MDOT SHA crews are:
• Inspecting roadway drainage systems to ensure they are free of debris and vegetation growth and promote positive drainage;
• Assembling high water and road closure signs;
• Ensuring that all chain and pole saws and chippers are fueled, oiled and ready for rapid deployment; and
• Keeping generators operable and fueling sites topped off so crews can work through power outages and potential delays in fuel deliveries.
Some tips for drivers to keep in mind during heavy rain storms:
• “Turn Around-Don’t Drown” - it only takes a few inches of water to cause a vehicle to move;
• Plan for extra travel time as some roads may flood and be temporarily closed;
• Never attempt to remove a fallen tree from the roadway, especially if there are electrical wires tangled in the branches;
• Should an intersection loose power and traffic signals become non-operational, treat all approaches of the intersection as a two or four-way stop;
• Be aware of flood prone areas and avoid those routes;
• Please don’t litter. Trash clogs storm drain systems and impacts highway drainage;
• Remember State law requires the use of headlights when windshield wipers are being used; and
MDOT SHA also advises motorists to stay aware of the forecast and, should heavy rain and high wind begin to affect the area, curtail travel as much as possible. Click here for information about flooded roads.