STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION WORKS TO REVERSE THE WINTER STORM’S EFFECTS

 

Although Sky is Clear Crews Continue to Battle Drifting Snow, Icy Roads and Snow Piles

 

(February 11, 2010) – Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) crews continue to battle the effects of the week’s record-breaking winter storm. Though interstates and other major routes are passable, plowed snow remains piled on some shoulders, merge lanes and interchange ramps. Crews are now focusing on plowing and using frontend loaders to remove snow from these areas, as well as primary and secondary routes.  Motorists can expect single lane closures on multi-lane roads such as York and Reisterstown roads, as well as obstructed dedicated turn lanes and deceleration/ acceleration lanes.  Commuters can expect to double the normal needed travel time on these routes.

 

In central Maryland, particularly the rural areas in Frederick and Carroll counties, gusty winds have posed a very difficult challenge to crews, moving six to 12 feet of snow onto previously plowed roadways.

 

As crews continue to treat the state highway system, SHA reminds motorists to delay travel if possible.  If you elect to drive, please travel safely and share the road. Motorists should never pass or follow too closely behind a snow plow or salt truck and be on the alert for static or slow-moving clean-up operations using front-end loaders. As snow melts and temperatures fall overnight, icy conditions are expected. Motorists should adjust their speed and driving habits as road conditions are not yet normal.

 

For the latest weather and road conditions and to view live traffic cameras during the storm, citizens can log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click on CHART.  Customers may also follow SHA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mdsha or call the Winter Storm hotline at 1-800-327-3125 for a regularly updated message with weather and roadway conditions.  If you need to report a non-emergency issue for a state highway, please log onto the website and click on the Service Request link from the “Contact Us” page. Choose Safety for Life in your travels and B-SAFE: Buckle up, Slow down, Always drive sober, Focus, Everyone share the road – everyone gets home.