MDOT SHA Logo
(January 13, 2015) – For the second time this week, winter weather threatens road travel during the morning hours. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) urges motorists to closely monitor weather forecasts later today and tonight as meteorologists call for the possibility of snow and freezing rain during tomorrow morning’s commute. If you can’t delay your travel, remember to take it slow on ice and snow.
“While roads were generally in good condition earlier this week, a difference of only one or two degrees is the difference between wet roads and hazardous icy roads,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Please take these forecasts and warnings seriously and consider delaying or cancelling your travel and appointments while we take care of making the roads safe for travel.”
In preparation for the predicted weather, today SHA crews are pre-treating major roads and interstates with salt brine as an initial measure to prevent snow accumulation. As pavement temperatures throughout much of Maryland are expected to be well below freezing overnight, precipitation is likely to freeze on untreated road surfaces making any travel dangerous.
SHA crews will be out in advance of any wintry precipitation. SHA crews will attack the storm using salt, salt brine and sand to provide additional traction for vehicles and assist with deicing the roads.
SHA encourages the use of public transportation tomorrow and urges caution while walking to and from transit stations as slippery conditions are expected.
Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device or logging onto
www.MD511.org. Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most frequented routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.
# # #