(June 28, 2013) – Next weekend thousands of Marylanders and visitors will travel along State highways to reach favored destinations for the Independence Day holiday weekend. As drivers prepare to enjoy the weekend, the State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds them to drive safely and remain alert. Emergency response units will patrol major roadways to assist drivers throughout the weekend. SHA suspended highway construction through Sunday, July 7 so drivers are not affected by non-emergency lane closures.
“The entire July 4th holiday weekend is a significant travel time for many people. With so much traffic, travelers should plan ahead and have a plan B should there be unexpected delays or heavy traffic,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Of course, always drive sober and buckle up. After you pack your bags, ensure that your vehicle is ‘road ready,’ with fluids, proper tire inflation and stocked with emergency tools such as jumper cables.”
Although SHA is suspending non-emergency lane closures, drivers need to be prepared for other holiday traffic impacts. Communities statewide will hold various events to celebrate Independence Day.
Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should remain alert when crossing or turning at intersections, and obey local law enforcement officials who are assisting with events. There will be some State roads that will close to accommodate parades, concerts and other local events. Between today and Sunday, July 7, some of those closures include (event and closure times may vary, check town and event sponsor websites for details):
Allegany County
July 4: US 40 Alternate between Water Street and Grant Street in Frostburg
Anne Arundel County
July 3: MD 176 (Dorsey Road) at Sawmill Creek Park in Glen Burnie
July 4: MD 255 from Anchors Way to East Benning Road in Galesville
Baltimore County
July 4: MD 144 between Montrose Avenue and Bloomsbury Avenue in Catonsville
Calvert County
July 3: MD 261 in Chesapeake Beach
Caroline County
June 29: MD 480/Sunset Avenue/MD314 in Greensboro
Garrett County
July 4: US 219 from Drane Drive to Geis Street in Accident
Harford County
June 29: MD 161 (Darlington Road) between US 1 and Shursville Road in Darlington
July 4: MD 924 between Lee Street and MacPhail Road in Bel Air
July 6: MD 755/Hanson Road in Edgewood/Joppatown
July 6: MD 7A (Union Avenue) between Warren Street and Revolution Street in Havre de Grace
Montgomery County
July 4: MD 410 at Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park
St. Mary’s County
June 29: MD 235 at MD 245 intersection in Hollywood
Talbot County
July 4: MD 33 from Chestnut Street to Canton Street/Green Street in St. Michaels
Washington County
July 4: US 11 (Potomac Street)/Springfield to US 11/Conococheague Street in Williamsport
This is not a complete list of all parades or celebrations during the July 4th holiday, only a listing of the known celebrations on State roads.
To stay updated on traffic incidents and emergency road closures, visit
www.MD511.org to plan your routes.
###