Maryland State Highway Administration Preparing Roads for Winter Storm

Another winter storm will affect much of Maryland beginning Tuesday afternoon – and moving out of the state on Wednesday. State Highway Administration officials say crews are pre-treating roads with brine to help keep the snow and ice from adhering to the pavement. Officials encourage drivers to limit unnecessary travel during the storm to allow road crews to effectively and efficiently treat the roads.

For those who must travel, we encourage drivers to get the latest information by logging onto roads.maryland.gov. Here, highway users can access the Statewide Transportation Operations Resource Map  (STORM)  application that identifies where State Highway Administration and contractual equipment are and where they have been, as well as real-time weather information.     

The State Highway Administration offers the following advice for winter driving: 

• Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal (dry) weather conditions.     
• Use extra caution on elevated surfaces, such as bridges, overpasses, and ramps as they are the first to freeze.    
• Don’t crowd the plow. Stay behind and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and State Highway Administration equipment. Crews are literally clearing a path for highway users. 
• Before driving, clear all snow from the vehicle as remaining snow on hoods and roofs can become ice and dislodge during highway travel which poses hazards to other motorists.     
• Move over or slow down when approaching emergency equipment – It’s the law! 

Drivers should ensure their vehicles are in proper working order, including adequate tire tread, lighting systems are operational and that fluids are at the recommended levels. Residents should also clear snow from the entire vehicle before driving.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit Project Portal or the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.