​Several Roads Closed Due to High Water and Fallen Trees; Coastal Flooding is Forecasted to Continue Through Weekend

(October 29, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is closely monitoring road conditions and responding to incidents as heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding impact all regions of the state. Several roads in the state are closed due to high water or fallen trees.    

MDOT SHA advises motorists to use caution and avoid driving or walking through standing water. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet, and 12-inches of moving water to move the average sedan.    

MDOT SHA maintenance crews prepared for the storm by clearing drainage ditches and storm drains, as well as assembling high water signs, chainsaws, and generators.    

MDOT SHA’s Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART) emergency patrols will continue to patrol and assist motorists and respond to incidents to help restore traffic flow as safely and quickly as possible.    

In case of an emergency along interstate routes, drivers with cellular phones can dial #77 to reach the Maryland State Police or call 9-1-1.

To help keep all road users safe during severe weather:

• Move Over!  It’s the law to allow one lane between you and emergency vehicles on the side of the road.   
• Make sure all passengers, even those in the back seat, are buckled up.   
• Slow down and pay attention, avoiding distractions such as cell-phone use.   
• Observe all posted speed limits.   
• See and be seen. When driving in rain, Maryland State Law requires the use of headlights while windshield wipers are in use.   
• “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” – It only takes a small amount of water to get swept away in a flood.   
• Keep a close eye on local information sources for the latest weather conditions and plan accordingly.   
• Don’t try to move fallen tree branches as high-voltage wires may be intertwined.   
• Should a traffic signal malfunction, MD law states that drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.