It will also suspend all non-emergency road closures.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Maryland State Highway Administration says it’s ready for Memorial Day weekend and the remainder of the summer vacation period. Spokesman Charlie Gischlar says SHA will be putting more patrols on state roads. And to help move traffic a little quicker, the agency will suspend all non-emergency road closures in major metropolitan areas.
AAA Mid-Atlantic projects 819,000 Marylanders will be traveling by car to their favorite vacation destination this weekend.
If you’re planning to travel to Ocean City, Gischlar says stay on US 50. “Even though US 50 does get congested, it does better in the long run than the back roads, particularly in the mid-shore. And we don’t want to be inundating any of the local residents and businesses and first responders on those secondary roadways. So stay on US 50. It’s your best bet,” he says.
Traffic is expected to be heavy on Friday, and Gischlar says you may want to change your travel times. “You could leave early and stay late during the long holiday weekend. That’s going to be the case through the entire summer if you;re going to the eastern shore or western Maryland resorts. That’s another way to avoid congestion, adjust drive times and travel during the late night or early morning hours,” he says
No matter when you travel, Gischlar says make sure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelts at all times, including backseat passengers. And if your vehicle becomes disabled, move it as far from the road as possible, and call dial #77 on your cell phone, which will put you in touch with the nearest State Police Barrack.
“Please do not be an impaired driver. Don’t drink and drive; designate a sober driver,” says Gischlar. “Park the cell phone and mobile device and make sure your attention is on the road ahead. Get plenty of rest, especially before hitting the road, and travel at the posted speed limit.”
By Kevin McManus