SHA Urges Caution as Power Outages Continue

Felled trees tangled with wires and high water from Hurricane Irene continue to close two dozen state roads in Maryland, down from a list of nearly 200 on Sunday. And the intersections that remain with darkened traffic signals pose safety hazards at more than 100 intersections.

The SHA is urging motorists 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 – 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; and
•       Obey restricted lanes at dark intersections and use the cones that 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 has a new 511 traveler Information Service that can be reached 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.

The SHA also urges motorists traveling this week to:
•       Remain alert for highway and utility crews;
•       Not try to cross a road with high/standing water; 
•       Not attempt to drive around police or highway personnel who are blocking roads; and
•       Not approach areas where there are downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.

For current information on Maryland’s overall response to the hurricane and its aftermath, visit www.mema.state.md.us.