State Highway Administration News Release

NEWS RELEASE TEXT

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS OF LOW LYING AREAS OF MARYLAND'S EASTERN SHORE; TRAVELERS ADVISED TO CONSIDER ALTERNATE ROUTES TO US 50  PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:  Gee Williams, SHA Community Liaison, Eastern Shore 443-463-7141 October 28, 2012 ***TRAFFIC ADVISORY*** Westbound US 50 Limited to One Lane at Queenstown; MD 318 Federalsburg Bridge Remains Closed (October 28, 2012) --- The low lying areas of Ocean City from 17th Street and below are under a mandatory evacuation in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to pass offshore the Maryland Coast early Monday morning.  The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists leaving the Eastern Shore of Maryland to consider alternates routes other than US 50 (Ocean Gateway). Residents and visitors in other areas are asked to voluntarily evacuate. Only one lane of US 50 Westbound is open at Queenstown where the roadway crosses over US 301 resulting from a major bridge replacement project now under construction.  Motorists traveling westbound on US 50 are urged to travel north on to MD 213 (Centreville Highway) at Wye Mills for five miles to intersect with US 301North and proceed to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  "Travelers should expect to encounter road closures due to high water or trees down. SHA crews are adjusting signal timing and will post warning signs wherever possible," said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  "Remember, a new law enacted Oct. 1 mandates drivers must treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops.  Do not assume you or the other driver has the right-of-way; make eye contact if possible and proceed safely through the intersection." Motorists on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland heading west of the Chesapeake Bay are advised to travel through Delaware by either US 13 (Dupont Highway) or US 113 and proceed west of the Chesapeake on Interstate 95 in Cecil County. Motorists traveling west on Delaware  Route 18 are advised to avoid MD 318 Marshyhope Creek Bridge in Federalsburg which is temporarily closed, also due to a major bridge deck replacement project. Based on the current weather forecast for the storm, all roadways in and out of Ocean City, Maryland and throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore are expected to remain open during the event.  From Sunday through Wednesday, the greatest possibility for any flooding in coastal or low lying areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore are during the following high tides:  Sunday - 7:48 p.m.; Monday – 8:11 a.m. and 8:27 p.m.; Tuesday -8:50 a.m. and 9:06 p.m.; and Wednesday – 9:30 a.m. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Sandy approaches Maryland.  Go to www.mema.state.md.us  for the latest storm track and preparedness information. For the most up to date highway traffic information, call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org, which also includes weather information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.