Motorists are Encouraged to Delay Travel on Tuesday

(Mar. 13, 2017) – As the late winter storm named “Stella” begins, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) are responding with 2,183 people and vehicles ready to plow and salt as needed.  Forecasts are calling for considerable accumulation, and driving during the storm could be hazardous.

To underscore the need for Marylanders to stay home, Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency, beginning Monday, March 13 at 9 p.m.  In a news release, the Governor states, “Our state is taking every precaution and coordinating all available resources to respond to this winter storm.  We urge all Marylanders to use common sense and to stay indoors and off the roads. Now is the time to remain alert and regularly check for updated weather forecasts as conditions change.”

Since the storm is forecasted to produce more than six inches of snow, MDOT designated select park and rides to be available to the trucking community so commercial truck drivers can safely ride out the storm.  Truck drivers can obtain a free mobile app by visiting this website -  

SHA also prepositioned heavy duty tow trucks that are designed to remove commercial trucks rapidly in the event they become disabled.  When a truck becomes disabled, it essentially closes an interstate which delays SHA’s deployment and could cause snow pack or ice to form on the pavement.

The Nor’easter is expected to bring heavy, wet snow, as well as high winds, which will likely cause tree limbs to fall, as well as create power outages.  If power goes out at a traffic signal, drivers must treat all directions of the intersection like a four-way stop.

Drivers can view the latest road conditions on SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov and clicking “CHART.”  Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device or logging onto www.MD511.org.  Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most travelled routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line. Customers may also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration.