(December 8, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has activated its Emergency Operations Center and crews are treating roadways as the first winter precipitation enters the State. Yesterday in advance of the storm, SHA trucks pre-treated interstates and primary routes with a salt brine solution to prevent the initial bonding of ice to the road. As air and pavement temperatures dip below the freezing point, SHA reminds drivers to make careful decisions about traveling and plan ahead. Drivers are encouraged to carefully monitor the forecast and stay abreast of road conditions by visiting md511.org. – know before you go!
“Safety is the top priority of the Maryland State Highway Administration, and we’re asking that drivers partner with us to keep roadways safe throughout this winter weather event,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “If you travel, leave plenty of extra time, pay attention, travel slowly as speed limits are set for ideal weather conditions or consider using use mass transit if at all possible.”
Additional emergency traffic patrols are on duty to assist disabled vehicles and manage roadway incidents. SHA crews are currently applying salt to roadways, and will plow if conditions and accumulations warrant. Drivers are urged to stay alert for SHA and contract trucks treating roadways.
Travel planning is essential for safety during winter weather, not only for drivers but for pedestrians, too. SHA advises drivers to look out for pedestrians, especially around the football arenas, and keep these tips in mind:
Slow down, use caution, allow plenty of distance between vehicles, use snow tires and allow plenty of time for travel. Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze first, so drivers should remain on guard at all times.
If your vehicle does become disabled, make every effort to move from the travel lane and onto the shoulder.
Remain alert for inactive traffic signals as a result of power outages. Use EXTREME caution and treat it is as a four-way stop – it’s the law.
Remember to buckle up, “Take It Slow on Ice and Snow” and drive sober!
Sign up for SHA’s FREE service -- the “511 Traveler Information” system. Know Before You Go! Dial 511 from a land line or mobile phone for traffic, weather alerts and road conditions. For internet access, visit
www.MD511.org.
Before leaving, log onto
www.roads.maryland.gov and click the CHART icon for the latest road conditions, live traffic cameras and a variety of information to help with travel decisions and planning. Customers can also follow SHA on Facebook and Twitter.
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