With the snow winding down Tuesday morning, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds would-be travelers that cleanup operations will continue throughout the day as crews look to take advantage of rising temperatures.  The statewide storm has left many roads covered with snow and it will take all morning for crews to get lanes completely clear, with interstates as the first priority, major highways including US routes as the second and then lesser traveled state roads to be cleared as operations wind down later today.

“We’ve been plowing through the night to keep roads passable for emergency vehicles. As snow ends, crews will be able to make progress toward getting lanes down to bare pavement but with the amount of snow that fell statewide and the frigid temperatures, it will take time,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “Because temperatures are in the teens this morning roads may still be slick, so it is imperative that would-be travelers stay home and delay travel to give our crews the time and space they need to safely finish the job today.”

SHA monitors traffic 24/7 at the Statewide Operations Center near BWI Marshall Airport. Through observation and reports from crews in the field, SHA has seen motorists driving too fast for conditions, which is extremely dangerous for themselves and other travelers. SHA urges residents to plan ahead for safe travel after the snow has ended.

Long distance commercial truck drivers may take safe haven during the storms at select SHA park and ride facilities across Maryland. Click here for a list of park and rides that are available.  Dispatch centers should consider delaying shipments during the storm to prevent potential problems for commercial vehicles and drivers.

SHA offers these tips for travel later the evening and tomorrow:

  • Before heading out, remove all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof.  Snow that flies off of vehicles is extremely hazardous for those around you and could cause a driver to lose control.
  • Always be alert for ice, even when roads look clear.  With temperatures expected to stay below freezing this week any snow melt could refreeze especially during the overnight hours.
  • Know Before You Go! Visit www.MD511.org to view traffic cameras and obtain traffic and weather information. Customers may call 511 for traffic information using a hands-free mobile device or land line.
  • Make sure you vehicle has proper fluid levels, inflated tires, gas, a charged mobile phone, kitty litter, shovel and ice scraper.
  • Allow extra travel time – speed limits are set for ideal conditions, so traveling below the limit is recommended for foul weather situations.