(May 1, 2014) –Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) crews continue to respond to the severe weather, remove debris and detour around roads closed for safety due to high water. Heavy storms dropped several inches of rainfall across the state of Maryland over the last two days. SHA reminds all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to avoid traveling through flooded areas. Access to some state routes is now blocked due to high water, and all travelers should use extra caution.
Drivers are asked to remain alert for highway and utility crews, especially when approaching interchange ramps and intersections. Anyone who chooses to drive is reminded to treat intersections without power to the signal system as a four-way stop. A list of current road incidents and closures is available
on the CHART website.
“With a loss of power, not only will signals not operate, overhead lighting and pedestrian signals will not work,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Remain attentive for changing conditions and reduce travel speeds. Please stay alert for mobile work crews clearing debris, trimming trees and removing fallen branches or power lines.”
All travelers should keep these tips in mind:
• Do not try to cross a road with high / standing water. Water depth is difficult to judge. Eighty percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Two feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus and six inches can knock a person off his or her feet.
• Do not attempt to drive around law enforcement or highway personnel who block roads or redirect traffic.
• Be patient and courteous – it is contagious.
• Do not approach areas where there are downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.
• Keep alert for animals - such as deer - that will flee from dangerous areas and cross roadways.
• Use headlights with wipers. It makes your vehicle more visible and it’s the law.
Customers are also asked to report problem locations along State-maintained routes. A list of SHA maintenance shops statewide is available at roads.maryland.gov. Travelers may dial 1-855-GO-MD511 or 1-855-466-3511 or log onto
www.MD511.org for weather-related lane closure information.
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