(September 30, 2010) – Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) crews are continuing to respond to downed trees, high water and traffic signal outages as a result of heavy rain that is moving through the State. Motorists should allow additional travel time throughout the day and anticipate detours and delays.

There are several road and/or lane closures on numbered roads, especially near low lying areas and near small streams that may rapidly rise above the banks.

Utility crews across the region are working to restore power to traffic signals. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution at intersections with traffic signal outages. Side street traffic should yield to mainline traffic.

SHA crews will place high water signs and barricades throughout the day, but there may be unmarked areas so motorists must be extremely cautious. Remember to make smart decisions behind the wheel and Choose Safety for Life by using the following tips:

• Do not try to cross a flooded roadway. 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.
  
• Avoid downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.
  
• Keep alert for animals, such as deer, that will be fleeing dangerous areas and crossing roadways.
  
• Stay alert for traffic signal issues related to power outages. Remember the rules of the road.

Motorists are urged to frequently check SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov and click "CHART" for real-time traffic information. For quick updates, follow SHA on Twitter at MDSHA.