(July 2, 2012) – Monday morning commuters face a difficult trip to work today with hundreds of area signals without power. The Maryland Department of Transportion urges commuters to use transit, particularly Metro in the Washington DC area.  

State Highway Administration (SHA) crews continue cleanup efforts today as motorists return to the roads during this holiday week.  Monday morning rush hour was lighter than normal with many people taking advantage of liberal leave or beginning their summer vacation.  However, many roads leading to interstates continue to be challenging with traffic signals out.  Citizens who need to drive should leave early, plan on extra commute time and be patient as traffic delays are expected.  In Montgomery County alone, there are approximately 330 traffic signals without power and several roads blocked with fallen trees. 

“We appreciate drivers exercising caution and being courteous, especially during the challenging rush-hour periods,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “We encourage motorists to make eye contact with other drivers when possible and when in doubt, use an abundance of caution at every intersection.  As power is restored over the next several days, signals will become operational; be prepared as conditions may quickly change.”
 

SHA is urging motorists in Maryland’s Washington suburban area to use Metro.  In the Baltimore region, commuters should use Light Rail, Baltimore Metro Subway and MARC.  SHA is advising motorists to minimize travel if possible to enable highway crews and utility companies the ability to restore roads and service to customers.  Drivers should treat intersections without power as a four way stop, always checking twice before proceeding.
 

As of 8 a.m. Monday, July 2, here is the listing of State maintained roads closed:
 

Montgomery County - MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue) south between Denfield Avenue and Decatur

Prince Georges County - MD 193 at US 50

SHA crews in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties are assisting at darkened intersections or closed roadways. SHA placed cones at intersections to restrict left-turns, so please yield to the change for safety. 
 

Motorists are encouraged to use 511 for up-to-the-minute travel information.  Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel advisories and temporary and long-term lane closures for highway maintenance or construction work.  Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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