MTA Urges Commuters To Use Public Transit in Wake of Storm

July 1, 2012

Hundreds of Traffic Signals Still Without Power – Traffic Delays Expected;

Motorists Electing to Drive Should Leave Early, Allow Plenty of Extra Commute Time and Use 511 for Up to Date Route and Commute Information

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is urging motorists in Maryland’s Washington suburban area to use Metro for Monday morning’s rush hour.  In the Baltimore region, Light Rail, Baltimore Metro Subway and MARC are the suggested options.  Citizens who need to drive should leave early, plan on extra commute time and be patient as traffic delays are expected.    In Montgomery County alone, there are more than 400 traffic signals that are without power and several roads blocked with fallen trees.  Statewide a handful of roads remain blocked due to fallen trees and tree limbs.

“This is a very serious situation and drivers need to be patient and allow extra time to commute in the morning as many traffic signals may still be without power,” said SHA Administrator Melinda Peters.  “At a signaled intersection where traffic lights are not operating it is imperative to treat it as a four-way stop, but remain extra cautious of other drivers that may think they have the right-of-way.”

SHA is advising motorists to curtail travel this evening if possible to enable highway crews and utility companies to restore roads and service to customers.  If travel is necessary tonight, use extreme caution as many traffic signals and highway lighting systems are without power and not operational.  Approach intersections cautiously and remember to treat intersections without power as a four way stop, using extreme caution to mainline traffic and checking twice before proceeding.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, July 01, 2012, here is the listing of roads closed:

Montgomery County

East and westbound MD 109 at Barnesville Road; Southbound MD 185 between Denfeld Avenue and Decatur Avenue; and North and southbound MD 187 at Battery Lane.

Prince Georges County

East and westbound MD 193 at US 50; and
East and westbound MD 410 between 64th Avenue and 63rd Avenue.

Charles County

Northbound MD 224 at Green Manor Drive; and East and westbound MD 227 between Ray Drive and Foxburrow Place.

SHA crews in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties will report to assist in making sure that traffic is maintained at darkened intersections or closed roadways.  SHA is assisting the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) with debris removal and will assist as needed with local jurisdictions at busy intersections.

Motorists are encouraged to use 511 for up-to-the-minute travel information.  Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.orgfor current travel advisories and temporary and long-term lane closures for highway maintenance or construction work.  Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

Contact:  Charlie Gischlar 443-463-7234