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(November 18, 2019) – Today the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) hosted its annual “Snow Show” event today at the Statewide Operations Center in Anne Arundel County. MDOT SHA Administrator Gregory Slater highlighted enhancements to the Statewide Transportation Operations Response Map (STORM) and provided details on winter readiness including salt supplies, the winter response budget and available equipment.
“We’ve made some great enhancements that provide our crews and customers the information they need to make smart decisions during winter weather, such as online information on equipment location and weather conditions,” said Slater. “We have the tools and the people to respond to any weather event, large or small.”
MDOT SHA is fully stocked with supplies and is continuing to advance state-of-the-art technology to monitor roadway conditions and deploy resources. By the end of the season, MDOT SHA will have deployed 153 Mobile Advanced Road Weather Information Sensors (MARWIS). These devices, located on maintenance vehicles, provide real-time, critical pavement and weather data that enables storm managers to make strategic decisions. The web-based STORM plow tracker application keeps citizens informed about real-time snow removal efforts. STORM 2.0 integrates live traffic camera feeds and weather information and delivers an overall improved customer interface.
Other highlights include:
- Budget for snow season is $71 million
- 93 facilities across Maryland have 387,000 tons of rock salt at the ready
- 77 sites have 1.6 million gallons of salt brine
- Equipment fleet and personnel force of up to 2,700 (including contractors)
Click
here for the MDOT SHA Winter 2019/2020 fact sheet. MDOT SHA crews work hard to keep roads passable during snowstorms to maintain access to critical services, such as hospitals. “Know Before You Go – Especially in Ice and Snow.” For current, real-time travel information, visit md511.maryland.gov. Travelers can also log onto
www.roads.maryland.gov. To see what agency is responsible for what road, click on “Know Your Roads.”
Finally, follow MDOT SHA on social media via Twitter @MDSHA and on Facebook. The social media platforms are staffed Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and during major emergencies and storms.
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