Winter Storm Update: State suggets avoiding Maryland

Winter Storm Jonas is expect to cause blizzard conditions and poor travel in much of the Mid-Atlantic this weekend.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is warning professional truck drivers they may wish to change their travel plans because of the approach of Winter Storm Jonas. It also reminds truckers there is emergency parking available if they can’t change their plans.

 A statement from the SHA said:
“If the current predictions are correct, trucking companies and truck drivers should consider altering travel plans to avoid Maryland this weekend due to potential snow-related hazardous driving conditions.”
SHA also reminds truckers that 17 park and ride lots are available for emergency truck parking to ride out heavy snowfalls and blizzard-like conditions.  The lots are large enough to accommodate commercial trucks. Click here for a listing of park and ride locations and access to a free mobile application.
“Offering truckers a safe haven during storms is essential in our operations planning,” said SHA Administrator Gregory C. Johnson, P.E.  “One disabled truck can essentially close an interstate, backing up traffic and severely hampering our abilities to clear snow from travel lanes.”
SHA said it positions large commercial vehicle towing trucks near locations along its interstate system, especially in areas that trucks historically have trouble navigating.
Truckers are encouraged to like SHA on Facebook and follow MDSHA on Twitter at @MDSHA .
For the latest real-time travel information, including snow emergency declarations, log onto www.md511.org.
We expect to post updates here and on our Facebook and Twitter accounts throughout the storm. We want to hear from companies that are changing plans because of the storm and to hear from drivers in it when it arrives. Post in the comments below, on our social media accounts or send an email to [email protected]