​Experts Provide Updates on Winter Equipment, Technology and Supplies 

HANOVER, MD (November 3, 2023) - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration showcased some of its winter resources for the coming season today at the annual “Snow Show” at the Statewide Operation Center in Hanover. 

“The State Highway Administration has been planning, organizing and preparing for months for upcoming winter weather,” said State Highway Administrator William Pines. “I want to personally thank our State Highway Administration team members for their hard work toward the winter readiness of our existing fleet and equipment.” 

Last year was considered a mild winter for the state with a mere 0.2 inches of frozen precipitation reported at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Preparing ahead, the State Highway Administration has stockpiled enough resources to tackle a heavy Maryland winter this year. 

Operators have performed dry runs on state-maintained highways (state numbered routes) to look for steel plates, overhead wires or any other obstacles or possible hazards along their snow routes. Crews have been busy restocking salt supplies, equipment spare parts and have ensured all contracts are finalized for support staff and updated emergency contact lists for staff and contractors.

Additionally, approximately 100 Mobile Advanced Road Weather Information Sensors have been installed on maintenance vehicles that will be utilized during winter operations. These vehicles become mobile weather stations detecting temperatures, precipitation amounts and types, relative humidity, dew points and friction levels. This will provide detailed information for crews to make quick adjustments for the most effective results. 

Residents can access the Statewide Transportation Operations Response Map application – also known as STORM –to view the location of State Highway Administration winter weather response vehicles in near real-time during winter weather events.

Click on this link to view this year’s Winter Fact Sheet. For the latest information on state roadways, please visit the SHA traffic conditions and road closure website​.​

Additional photos are available at Flickr SHA Snow Show 2023​.