DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS ADVISED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION THROUGH WEEK AS POWER OUTAGES PERSIST

Some Roads Remain Closed Because of Debris and High Water

(August 29, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.) – Despite the tireless efforts of State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), local jurisdictions, contract and utility crews continuing Hurricane Irene recovery, several road closures and traffic signal outages persist.  Felled trees tangled with wires and high water continue to close two dozen state roads in Maryland, down from a list of nearly 200 on Sunday.  Darkened traffic signals pose safety hazards at more than 100 intersections, where other roadway lighting may be out as well due to power outages.

Maryland State Police, MDTA Police and local law enforcement continue to respond to incidents and work to keep people safe.  Motorists are urged to remain cautious and vigilant, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas as darkened traffic signals can be difficult to detect.   If crossing an intersection with a signal without power:

·         Do not assume other drivers will yield

·         Reduce speed approaching intersections – but be courteous and take turns

·         During daylight hours, wave and make eye contact with pedestrians and drivers at intersections

·         At night, flash your headlights to get the attention of other drivers to indicate yielding

·         Obey restricted lanes at dark intersections, cones are used to minimize conflict points

“With the storm over many of us are getting back to our normal routines, but we still need to be extra cautious since weakened limbs and trees in saturated ground could still fall onto roads, blocking lanes or hitting power lines,” said SHA Acting Administrator Darrell B. Mobley.  “Our crews are continuing to work to restore signals and repair roads but with power still out in many areas, all drivers and pedestrians need to look out for one another.”

SHA also encourages you to try the new 511 traveler Information Service and Know Before You Go by dialing 511 or 1-855-GO-MD511 (1-855-466-3511) or logging onto www.MD511.org.  With 511, you can see the same information available to SHA’s CHART personnel at the 24-7 operations center.   With the power outages, some of the cameras and overhead signs are not available, but will be added when power is restored.

When traveling this week:

·         Remain alert for highway and utility crews

·         Do not try to cross a road with high/standing water.  Water depth is difficult to perceive.  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 police or highway personnel who are blocking roads – they are doing so for a reason – your safety.

·         Do not approach areas where there are downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.

Citizens are also asked to report locations along State-maintained routes where traffic safety may be affected as a result of Hurricane Irene.  A list of SHA maintenance shops statewide is available at roads.maryland.gov.  For current information on Maryland’s overall response to the hurricane and its aftermath, visit www.mema.state.md.us