SHA Asks Motorists to Stay Off Roads Monday Evening

State Highway Administration issues travel advisory, prepares roads for next storm.

The State Highway Administration has issued this weather-related statement to motorists: After several days of spring-like temperatures, Maryland is reminded that winter is not yet over, as weather forecasts predict snow returning to the area beginning Monday evening and continuing overnight. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is preparing with salt, plows and crews to clear roads as quickly and safely as possible. Pre-treatment of roads is not feasible; rain washes salt brine away. “If you have a choice not to travel tonight, please don’t,” said SHA administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “Our crews will work throughout the night, but depending on when it stops snowing, all routes may not be completely cleared by morning rush hour.  …

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You asked..Patch Answers

That’s great that the SHA is using salt brine and sugar beets to treat the roads, or is it?

You Asked, Patch Answers

We recently learned from a Winter Weather Traffic Alert by the Eastern District Police Department that the State Highway Administration (SHA) is going green - well sort of. Question is, does the new stuff help in reducing chemical runoff into the Bay? According to sources at the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in Annapolis, it does by way of reducing the overall amount of road salt needed and ultimately used.  The new road treatment being questioned is a very unique salt brine mixture that’s used to pre-wet the roads prior to spreading salt. The organic product mix, Geo Melt 55, has been used for nearly 10 years in other states including Virginia and Washington D.C.  Jay Apperson, communications deputy director for the MDE, …

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