MDOT SHA Logo
Snow and Ice Blocking Drainage May Cause Standing Water and Flooding
(February 22, 2015) – As rain falls throughout Maryland, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Transportation Authority (MDTA) remain in emergency operations treating roadways. With pavement temperatures at or below freezing, conditions on roads are still a major concern and SHA discourages travel. Additionally, saturated trees and power lines may be impacted from the freezing rain and sleet that covered the region overnight.
“Snow and ice may block drainage systems along highways, creating standing water and flood conditions. Crews will work to treat roads and clear drains, but with the added rain today, there will be more water than drains can handle,” said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “The conditions are still adverse for travel and we ask for everyone to be patient, curtail trips and be safe. Unfortunately, yesterday we saw a lot of people traveling during the storm and get stuck, blocking roads and hindering plow trucks. It is just not worth the risk to go out yet, better to play it safe and remain at home as crews continue to respond to this storm.”
SHA maintains the numbered roads in Maryland with the exception of those on Baltimore City or tolled roads (including the ICC, I-95 north of Baltimore City, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge etc…). MDTA maintains Maryland’s toll facilities. For those who wish to inquire about non-state roads, a list of county roads departments is here,
http://roads.maryland.gov/index.aspx?pageid=9.
You can see what is happening on roads from the comfort of your own home by logging onto
www.MD511.org or
www.traffic.maryland.gov to view traffic cameras across the state. You can also obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device. Maryland’s 511 service offers free text and email alerts for most frequented routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.
###