March 2nd, 2018 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) urges Marylanders to stay off the roads if they can tonight, Friday, March 2, and through the weekend to avoid continued extreme winds.

“MDOT is hard at work trying to ensure Marylanders can travel safely on our roads and bridges, with increased patrols and wind restrictions,” said Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn.

To stay up-to-date on the most recent closures and impacted services, follow MDOT’s Twitter page, @MDOTNews at Twitter.com/MDOTNews. MDOT’s emergency response teams have been deployed to every corner of the state with dedicated individuals from its six business units:

MDOT State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA)

About 30 weather-related partial or complete road closures occurred due to debris and wires down across the state, including in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Frederick, Baltimore, Washington, Calvert, Anne Arundel and Wicomico counties. Major highways and roadways have had closures, including MD 5 at Suitland Parkway, MD 118 at MD 28, lanes on the I-495 inner loop and on I-270 southbound. MDOT SHA will have increased emergency patrols available throughout the day and weekend.

MDOT SHA and MDTA together have deployed more than 470 pieces of equipment.

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA)

Bridges throughout the state have been placed on wind restrictions* and have closed to traffic periodically due to wind speeds. Two trucks overturned on the Tydings Bridge, which has been on a wind restriction.  To view the wind policy, go to go.usa.gov/xkwAu.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

There have been numerous flight cancellations at BWI Marshall. Airlines also have performed minor de-icing due to a mix of rain/snow. To get flight information, please check directly with your airline before leaving for the airport.  Real-time flight information also is available at bwiairport.com.

Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore

Seagirt Marine Terminal is open to truck traffic and conditions will continue to be monitored. Dundalk Marine Terminal is open as normal. A Royal Caribbean ship is arriving early tonight, Friday, March 2, instead of tomorrow, Saturday, March 3, due to the weather. 

MDOT Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA)

All MARC service on all three lines were suspended today, Friday, March 2, due to severe weather.  There also are LocalLink and CityLink bus diversions due to inclement weather. There is no Commuter Bus service to the Eastern Shore today due to the severe high winds and wind restrictions on the Bay Bridge. Commuter buses will originate in Annapolis or Davidsonville.

MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA)

Due to weather conditions, scheduled driving skills tests may be impacted at certain branches throughout the day. If you would like to reschedule, please go online to https://mvascheduling.mdot.state.md.us/Appointment/Default.aspx or call our call center at 410-768-7000. Updates are being posted to the website and social media. Some electricity outages are causing issues as well with certain branches and kiosks.