STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION CAUTIONS MOTORISTS TO ANTICIPATE THE UNEXPECTED.

Hundreds of Traffic Signals Without Power – Traffic Delays Expected through the Holiday Week; DC area Commuters Should Use Metro or if Driving, Allow Extra Time and Use 511 for Travel Time Information

(July 2, 2012) – Monday morning commuters face a difficult trip to work today with hundreds of area signals without power. The Maryland Department of Transportion urges commuters to use transit, particularly Metro in the Washington DC area.

State Highway Administration (SHA) crews continue cleanup efforts today as motorists return to the roads during this holiday week. Monday morning rush hour was lighter than normal with many people taking advantage of liberal leave or beginning their summer vacation. However, many roads leading to interstates continue to be challenging with traffic signals out. 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 approximately 330 traffic signals without power and several roads blocked with fallen trees.