State Highway Administration and Utility Crews Worked Collaboratively During Cleanup and Restoration Effort
WESTMINSTER, MD (August 14, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration reopened all travel lanes in both directions of MD 140 (Baltimore Boulevard) between Gorsuch Road and Market Street in Carroll County this morning, August 14. The road has been closed since Monday, August 7, when a severe storm hit the area, bringing down about 20 utility poles along the roadway.
“The storm that impacted the region was devastating, and impacted tens of thousands of drivers and area residents,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “I want to thank everyone involved in cleanup and restoration efforts. It was a tremendous partnership between State Highway Administration crews, BGE utility workers, state and local law enforcement agencies and many others. I’m also extremely appreciative of the public’s patience and understanding as this massive recovery effort advanced.”
Just before 4 p.m. Monday, August 7, a severe thunderstorm with high straight-line winds struck the Westminster area. The storm brought down utility poles and electrical wires, some landing on vehicles. This trapped 33 adults and 14 children in their vehicles. In addition to poles and trees down, a traffic signal system was destroyed at the intersection of MD 140 and MD 97 (Malcolm Drive).
“The damage that occurred during the storm was unprecedented in recent history and impacted several major roads in Westminster,” said State Highway Administrator William Pines, P.E. “This is a testament to the collaboration between the State Highway Administration, Carroll County and the Maryland State Police to reopen MD 140 in the aftermath of the storm, especially BGE crews that worked around the clock to restore the electrical infrastructure and clear MD 140 of damaged equipment.”
During the evening of the storm, the State Highway Administration secured a school bus from a contractor for the Carroll County Public Schools to transport people that were trapped to reunite with their loved ones at Winters Mill High School. Utility crews have completed the replacement of damaged electrical equipment and restored power. The State Highway Administration replaced the damaged traffic signal at the MD 140/MD 97 intersection.
“We want to thank residents and commuters that rely on MD 140 and MD 97 for their support and patience as we worked with our partners to safely open the roads,” added Pines.
On Tuesday, August 8, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller visited and toured the affected area to see firsthand the magnitude of the damage.
During any storm, or before setting out for a trip, drivers are encouraged to get the latest list of lane closures on the state highway system by checking the State Highway Administration incident page. Incidents listed on this page are updated in real-time.