Contact:  SHA Office of Communications 410-545-0303

 

Some Roads Remain Closed Because of Debris and High Water along Ramps and Rural Routes

 

(August 28, 2011) – This evening, SHA has skeletal crews in each district after more than 36 hours of preparing for and responding to Hurricane Irene. Assessments continue to be made regarding power outages that affect traffic signals, and high water that keeps some roads closed.  For a list of road closures log onto www.MD511.org or www.chart.md.gov.

 

Service outages in some areas have made reaching MD 511 in northern parts of the State difficult, but travelers are still able to reach the service by dialing 1-855-GO-MD511 or 1-855-466-3511 or logging onto MD511.org. 

 

When preparing for Monday morning travel:
• Remain alert for highway and utility crews, especially when approaching interchange ramps and intersections.
• Do not try to cross a road with high / standing water.  Water depth is difficult to perceive.  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 attempt 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.
• Do not approach areas where there are downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.
• Keep alert for animals - such as deer - that will flee from dangerous areas and cross roadways.
• Stay alert for traffic signal issues related to power outages. Where signals are out, stop - then proceed with caution.

Citizens are also asked to report locations along State-maintained routes where traffic safety may be affected as a result of Hurricane Irene.  A list of SHA maintenance shops statewide is available at roads.maryland.gov.  For current information on Maryland’s overall response to the hurricane and its aftermath, visit www.mema.state.md.us

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