MDOT SHA Logo
As the State braces for the worst of Hurricane Irene as it moves up the eastern seaboard, the State Highway Administration urges Marylanders get to their destinations and stay. Conditions are changing rapidly, rainfall and winds are intensifying and travel conditions are deteriorating; motorists are urged to delay travel at this time until the storm passes. Reduced visibility, flooding, felled trees and darkened traffic signals are just a few of the hazards motorists are currently facing around the State.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) issued Phase III wind restrictions for the Bay Bridge, prohibiting box tractor trailers less than 64,000 pounds from crossing the bridge. If winds sustain 55 mph, the bridge must be closed. MDTA also has wind warnings at the Key Bridge on I-695 and the Harry Nice (US 301) bridge. Bay Bridge traffic conditions are available by calling the BAYSPAN Hotline at 1-877-229-7726. SHA has issued wind warnings for the Thomas Johnson Bridge (MD 4) between St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. For a complete list of lane closures due to Hurricane Irene, visit
www.md511.org or
www.chart.md.gov. Through these websites, internet users can see the entire storm on hundreds of traffic cameras from the comfort of their own homes.
“The best plan for tonight is staying home allowing emergency crews from transportation agencies and utility companies to respond to the storm,” said SHA Acting Administrator Darrell B. Mobley. “SHA crews will work throughout the night reacting to Irene’s effects.”
Emergency management staff are monitoring the progression of the storm and managing response from the Emergency Operations Center in Hanover, Md.
If you must travel, remember:
• Do not try to cross a flooded roadway. Eighty percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Two feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus and six inches can knock a person off his or her feet.
• Do not try to drive around police or highway personnel who are blocking roads – they are doing so for a reason – your safety.
• Be patient and courteous – it is contagious.
• Avoid downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.
• Keep alert for animals, such as deer, that will be fleeing dangerous areas and crossing roadways.
• Stay alert for traffic signal issues related to power outages. Use extreme caution and do not assume the other drivers will stop or yield.
• SHA urges motorists to exercise extreme caution as weather conditions change. If you must drive, please buckle up and obey posted speed limits.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Irene approaches Maryland. Go to
www.mema.state.md.us for the latest storm track and preparedness information.
Track conditions on
www.twitter.com/mdsha and learn about other State responses by searching #mdhurricane on twitter.