Storm & Traffic Center
Mineral County Road Closure
Road Closing effective Monday, August 2, 2010 until further notice, due to installation of new sewer lines in association with Northern Mineral Co. Regional Sewer System and the Lakewood Interceptor Project. The road closure will be County Route 28/2 from the intersection CR28/2 (Old Furnace Road) and CR 28/3 (Patterson Creek Road) to approx 1000 ft northwest of this intersection.
THUNDERSTORMS POSE A SERIOUS CAR CRASH RISK SAYS AAA MID-ATLANTIC
Motorists Are Reminded To Keep Vehicles Maintained And Exercise Caution For This Type of Severe Weather
Midway through the summer driving season, motorists have undoubtedly learned to cope with the extreme heat. However, with the extreme summer heat comes another issue motorists never quite seem prepared to deal with – thunderstorms.
Summertime is prime season for thunderstorms. High humidity and rapidly rising warm temperatures create a mass of warm, moist air rising into the atmosphere, where a thunderstorm is likely to form.
“Thunderstorms pose a severe summer car crash risk, causing poor visibility, intense lightening strikes, increased winds, hail and flash flooding,” said Ragina C. Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Although most weather forecasts alert us when conditions are prime for thunderstorms, these storms often maintain the element of surprise, which increases the chance of motorists being on the road when thunderstorms pop up. Just as motorists prepare for hazardous winter driving conditions, they should be prepared and know what to do if caught driving in a summer thunderstorm.”
The best solution during a thunderstorm is to monitor weather conditions carefully and, if possible, avoid being on the road. However, if you are caught out on the road during a thunderstorm, here are some tips to keep you safe.
Vehicle Maintenance Tips BEFORE a Thunderstorm Hits
- Replace windshield wiper blades yearly to ensure good visibility during inclement weather. Also, keep your windows and windshield clean, as well as the inside of your windshield.
- Check your tire pressure and tread. Over or under inflated tires can be dangerous, and balding tires do not provide good traction (especially in wet road conditions).
- Emergency Kit – Have a kit packed in your car at all times in case you become trapped and need water, flashers, blankets, jumper cables, tire compressor, wiper fluid, kitty litter and a shovel (to help with traction on muddy, slippery roads or inclines), etc.
Safety Tips for Driving in Thunderstorms
- Slow Down – When road conditions become wet, slow down, don’t make sudden moves and leave a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you.
- Do not use cruise control as the chance of losing control of your vehicle increases – Ifyou begin to experience a skid, the system may interpret the skid-induced reduction in speed as a need to apply more engine power, making it harder to recover from a skid.
- Headlights –Put them on at the first sign of darkness or decreased visibility. In Maryland, and many other states, it is the law to turn on your headlights when your windshield wipers are on.
- Hazards – Turn in your hazard lights to indicate to other drivers that upcoming road conditions are severe.
- Pull Over – Blinding rain can make visibility next to impossible, slowly pull over to a safe place on the side of the road or parking lot until the storm passes to avoid hitting another car, bicyclist or pedestrian.
- Radio – Listen to local weather reports to track fast-moving storms.
- Avoid Puddles – Because rain can be intense, puddles can form quickly and there’s no telling just how deep they are, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Brake Slowly – Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this may cause your car to hydroplane.
- STAY ALERT – Get rid of distractions, such as music and cell phones, so you can concentrate on driving.
AAA Mid-Atlantic is based in Wilmington, Del., and serves nearly four million members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey with personal insurance, financial, automotive and travel services through 53 retail branches, regional operations centers and the Internet, at www.aaa.com/community.
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION IMPROVES WESTBOUND AND EASTBOUND I-68 NEAR LAVALE Road Improvement Project Will Improve Safety & Preserve Bridge Decks
This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a project to improve approximately 3.5 miles of westbound and eastbound I-68 (National Freeway) near LaVale, Allegany County.
SHA is resurfacing the six lane highway between MD 658 (Vocke Road) and Kelly Boulevard. SHA will also resurface the MD 658 ramp to eastbound I-68 and all four ramps at the US 220 (McMullen Highway)/I-68 interchange.
As part of the I-68 resurfacing project, SHA will also resurface and repair the Patterson Avenue/Kelly Boulevard bridge decks (riding surface). Ramp closures will take place throughout construction. SHA will advertise the detours in advance.
During construction motorists should expect periodic daytime and nighttime lane and ramp closures. SHA will place variable message signs, barrels, and temporary signs will guide motorists through the work zone. More than 29,000 vehicles travel along this section of I-68 each day.
IA Construction Corporation of Cumberland is the contractor for the $7 million project. Customers who have questions about traffic operations on I-68, MD 658, US 220, or other State numbered routes in Allegany County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.
Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. Choose Safety for Life and make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.
Work on Baltimore/Mechanic Street Traffic Light to Begin; Work to Correct Frederick Street Paving Delayed
Cumberland City Administrator Jeffrey E. Repp announced today that the proposal from Scott A. Duncan, Inc., Grasonville, MD had been executed and that the company had begun ordering the equipment for the intersection. It is estimated that this project will cost approximately $ 100,000 including contingencies. A claim to the vehicle owner’s insurance company will be made for the payment of these costs.
“It’s anticipated that work could commence in 3-5 weeks based on the firm’s current work load and the delivery of key components needed for the repairs,” stated Mr. Repp. “The company is very aware of the needs of the City with regards to performing the work and City staff will be in contact with them to insure the work in performed in a timely manner.”
Mr. Repp further stated that the City would be returning to the recently paved area on Frederick Street to correct a problem with the surface.
“After the project was completed on Frederick Street several weeks ago, the surface was found to be not to the standards the City would accept and thus the City will be returning to correct the deficiencies,” stated Mr. Repp. “At this point in time the reason for the problem has not been determined. The equipment used was checked and the employees who performed the work have done many other jobs throughout the City so it was not manpower related. We are checking on a couple other items that may have caused the problem and then we will proceed with corrective action.”
The necessary repairs will be made prior to this fall.
AAA MID-ATLANTIC REMINDS PARENTS AND GUARDIANS NOT TO LEAVE CHILDREN ALONE IN CARS DURING SUMMER
Inside Vehicle Temperatures Can Easily Soar Up To Nearly 200 Degrees
AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds parents and guardians of the dangers when leaving children unattended in cars during the summer, as the inside temperature of a vehicle can reach up to 131 to 172 degrees Fahrenheit when parked in direct sunlight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The reminder comes on the heels of an incident where a Pasadena man allegedly left a 5-year old boy alone in a hot, locked vehicle yesterday while at a shopping center in Catonsville in Baltimore County. Fortunately, the child survived as emergency personnel were summoned in time and broke the vehicle’s window to rescue the child when the vehicle’s owner could not be located.
“It’s important to remember that temperatures inside a car on a day with outside temperatures in the mid-to-high 90’s can quickly soar to nearly 200 degrees, which is hot enough to cook many foods and to kill most living things. Never leave children or even pets in a parked car,” said Ragina C. Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “If you do see a child or pet locked in a car and can not find the owner of the vehicle, call 911 immediately.”
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of serious injury or death during hot weather is heightened for children left alone in vehicles. Heat stroke, which is a form of hyperthermia, is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths for children under the age of 14. NHTSA reports at least 27 documented deaths per year.
AAA Mid-Atlantic and NHTSA offer the following safety tips:
· Never leave a child alone in a car – even with the windows partially opened – as a vehicle’s interior can still heat up quickly to deadly temperatures.
· Do not leave your children in a running vehicle with the air conditioner on even for a few minutes; your child may put the car into drive or even get caught in a closing power window, not to mention that you increase the risk of your car being hijacked and your child abducted.
· Make a habit of looking in the vehicle – front and back – before locking the door and walking away. Children have died because they fell asleep in their car seats and their parents didn’t realize they were still in the car.
· If your spouse or a guardian is taking your children to day care ask him or her to call you to make sure the drop-off went according to plan.
· Do things to remind you that a child is in the vehicle:
o Leave a written note in your vehicle where you will see it as you leave the vehicle, such as on the dashboard area.
o Place your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat where your child is seated so that you will have to check that area when you leave the vehicle.
o Keep an object in your child’s car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when leaving the vehicle, as a reminder that a child is in the back seat.
· Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle – teach them that a car is not a play area; always lock your car doors and keep car keys out of children’s reach.
Because temperatures inside parked cars can quickly reach dangerous levels, AAA Mid-Atlantic offers the following additional advice:
· When parked, use a sun shield to cover the windshield to minimize heat buildup and to help protect the car’s interior. Cover metal and plastic parts on seat belts and child safety seats to prevent burns.
· Consider purchasing window shades for both the front and rear windows of the car.
· If your car has leather seats, place a towel on the seats so it doesn’t burn your child.
· Open the vehicle’s doors and let the interior cool for a few minutes before entering.
If a child has spent a prolonged amount of time in a hot vehicle and appears to be showing signs of heat distress, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Cool the victim as quickly as possible by applying cool water to the skin and/or ice packs under the armpits and groin area while waiting help.
NHTSA offers additional tips on keeping children safe at www.nhtsa.gov/KeepingKidsSafe
MDE LISTS ACTIONS TO TAKE TO RESPOND TO AIR QUALITY ALERTS
With hot summer weather increasing the potential for unhealthy air quality, the Maryland Department of the Environment reminds residents of the steps they should take to protect themselves and the air.
One monitoring station in Maryland (Davidsonville, in Anne Arundel County) reported Code Red levels yesterday, and 10 others reached Code Orange levels. A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for today for all regions in Maryland.
A Code Orange forecast indicates that air quality is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, meaning that children, and adults with respiratory and heart ailments, should limit time outside.
To protect the air -- and, in turn, everyone’s health -- under Code Orange conditions people should:
avoid driving (use public transportation or telework); reduce car idling; refuel after dusk; use fuel-efficient vehicles; avoid using aerosol products; and conserve electricity.
Under Code Red conditions, everyone may experience health effects and should limit their outdoor activities and outdoor activities for children. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Under Code Red conditions people should, in addition to the steps for Code Orange conditions, avoid mowing the lawn, or use electric mowers, and delay painting. People can also help air quality by keeping their vehicles maintained and cutting back on energy use.
Air pollution levels typically peak during the summer, when air can stagnate and the sun reacts with chemical compounds to form ground-level ozone. Health effects associated with ozone include decreased lung function, asthma attacks, and eye irritation.
MDE collects air quality readings hourly at 23 sites across Maryland. The readings are for levels of such pollutants as ground-level ozone, fine particles, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, along with oxides of nitrogen, compounds that when warmed by the sun can create ozone. The readings are given a numerical value, with ranges that indicate levels of health concern. MDE provides current readings for a map that is displayed online.
MDE meteorologists combine their knowledge of how pollutants react to weather with the predicted weather for upcoming days to develop air quality forecasts.
At certain times, as much as 70 percent of the pollution in our air comes from other states. Maryland is pushing for tougher regional standards for air quality. Closer to home, Maryland has implemented the Healthy Air Act, the most sweeping air pollution program ever in Maryland and the toughest power plant emission law on the East Coast, and the Maryland Clean Cars Program, which includes standards that will significantly reduce emissions of pollutants.
While so far in 2010 Maryland has had 20 bad air quality days, when the air was unhealthy for sensitive groups, air quality in Maryland has improved dramatically in recent years as a result of air pollution control programs.
Go to MDE’s website for air quality forecasts and information on air quality, sign up for email alerts at www.cleanairpartners.net, or call the air quality hotline at 410-537-3247
Wind Project May Cause Delays
Constellation Energy is currently building Maryland’s first wind project near the city of Oakland. The 70 megawatt (MW) Criterion Wind energy generation facility will produce emission-free power for the Mid-Atlantic region. The project will consist of 28 wind turbines built over an eight-mile stretch along Garrett County’s Backbone Mountain. Construction on the project is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In addition to major construction, work on the project over the next several months will include the delivery of large components for the wind turbines including the blades and turbine structures. For the next six weeks some of this work will affect traffic on area roads, including:
- Beginning Friday, June 25 turbine components, some of which require specially-permitted vehicles and police escorts, will begin arriving at the Criterion site. The trucks delivering these components will follow a route from Interstate 68 to MD Route 219 south, through Accident, McHenry and Oakland to U.S. Route 50 east, to MD Route 560 north, to Bethlehem Road, continuing on to Eagle Rock Road. Expect traffic delays and flag men during delivery times.
- Road work that is part of the installation of cables that will connect the Criterion wind turbines to the substation currently under construction is also underway on Eagle Rock and Bethlehem Roads. This trenching work is expected to take four-to-six weeks and will require some large equipment and will occasionally require traffic to be stopped on those roads.
- All efforts are being made to minimize inconveniences to neighbors who live along Eagle Rock and Bethlehem Roads, and to ensure this work is being done with the safety of neighbors and workers as a priority.
Beat the Summer Heat and Save
Don’t let the summer heat burn a hole in the family’s budget. Allegheny Power’s Watt Watchers programs provide many easy ways to be more energy efficient and save money during the hot summer months. Here are simple things that can lower both energy usage and electric bills as temperatures rise.
For homes with air conditioning:
· Set the cooling thermostat as high as comfort permits. The higher the thermostat setting, the less energy you consume.
· Keep lamps, television sets and other heat-producing appliances away from air conditioning thermostats.
· Turn off window air conditioning units in unused rooms, and keep the doors to those rooms closed.
· If you have central air or a heat pump, make sure that registers are not obstructed by draperies or furniture.
· Check the air conditioner filter at least once a month and clean or replace it as necessary.
· Keep outdoor sections of air conditioning equipment free from shrubs and other obstructions.
Tips to keep cool while reducing summer energy bills:
· Install the proper amount of insulation in your home, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Keeping heat outdoors during the summer months is just as important as keeping it indoors during the winter months.
· Increase attic ventilation. Excessive attic temperatures can increase the strain on your air conditioner and decrease its useful life. Consider a solar attic fan if you are unable to provide enough natural ventilation.
· Turn off all lights and electronic devices that are not being used
· Schedule activities that produce heat and humidity – such as showering, cooking and laundry – in the early morning or late evening when outdoor temperatures are generally lower. Also, avoid running only partial loads in the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer.
· Control humidity levels by using exhaust fans when cooking, showering or bathing, and remember to turn off the exhaust fans after humidity has cleared to avoid venting cool air.
· Use the microwave rather than the conventional range for cooking during the summer months.
· Keep window shades, Venetian blinds and draperies closed on the sunny side of the house, and use devices such as awnings, overhangs and sunscreens to shade windows from the sun.
· Check your cooling system and replace old, outdated appliances with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified products. For more information and a list of these energy saving products, visit: www.energystar.gov.
Tips for long-term planning:
· Plant trees on the south, east and west sides of the house to provide shade. They will also cool the air as moisture evaporates from their leaves.
· Use light colors to reflect solar heat. Keep this in mind when selecting shingles for the roof or paint for the outside walls.
For more information about keeping energy costs down during the summer, visit www.alleghenypower.com and click on the “Watt Watchers” link, or call 1-877-928-8928 to speak to one of our Watt Watchers representatives.
Beating the Summer Heat
With temperatures expected to soar back into the 90s this weekend, PennDOT is reminding motorists of the importance of preparing your vehicle for the rigors of summer driving.
“We want everyone to enjoy their summer travel,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Taking preventive steps now will help to avoid problems or breakdowns on the road. We also encourage people to drive safely and plan ahead by using our 511PA service.”
To make sure your vehicle is in top condition, motorists should have a mechanic they trust perform a service check. A properly trained mechanic will inspect the battery, belt, hoses, air conditioning system and tires to address any potential problems before they cause a breakdown.
There are also a few things that drivers can do on their own to help ensure fewer vehicle-related problems this summer, such as:
- Regularly check tire air pressure and tread wear.
- Replace wiper blades that are frayed or streaking.
- Be sure the windshield washer reservoir is filled with a summer fluid that helps remove bugs and road grime.
- Be certain that all lights are working.
- Check the pavement under the vehicle after it has been parked and report any suspicious fluid leaks to your mechanic.
Once your vehicle is prepared for summer travel, it’s wise to prepare yourself and your family for any long trips. Motorists can visit www.511PA.com or call 511 before they leave home to receive information on construction or other delays on interstates and major roadways.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes water, non-perishable food, a cell phone and charger, battery-operated fans and any other specialized needs such as baby supplies, pet food or medication. In case of a breakdown, remember to never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle since even on a relatively cool summer day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly.
For motorists planning long trips, follow some of these tips:
- Try to travel in the morning or evening hours when it is cooler.
- Get plenty of rest the night before and rotate drivers to avoid fatigue.
- Take frequent breaks, which also help young children traveling with you.
- Focus on the road and avoid all distractions, including cell phones.
- Make sure everyone is buckled up and children are properly restrained in child safety seats.
- Be patient and obey the speed limit, and especially when traveling through work zones.
More information on highway traffic safety can be found at www.DriveSafePA.org.
Traffic Changes for street construction on Maryland Avenue
The City of Cumberland announces the following changes in traffic patterns due to the street construction for the project “Maryland Avenue – Jefferson Street to Short Street”.
On or about Monday April 12, 2010 the following changes to traffic will occur:
· Maryland Avenue from Jefferson Street to Short Street will be closed to traffic for construction.
· Maryland Avenue from Oldtown Road to Short Street will be closed to thru traffic, but will remain open for local residents and businesses.
· Northbound thru traffic on Maryland Avenue will be detoured via Oldtown Road, Louisiana Avenue, and Williams Street; before returning to Maryland Avenue.
· Southbound thru traffic on Maryland Avenue will be detoured via Williams Street, Louisiana Avenue, and Oldtown Road; before returning to Maryland Avenue.
· Baker Street between Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue will be closed to thru traffic, but will remain open for local residents.
These changes will remain in effect for the duration of this project. When possible, local residents of the closed portion of Maryland Avenue will be allowed to park on the closed section street at night; but all vehicles must be moved from the street by 6:30 AM (or the start of the construction day) to allow construction to continue. Vehicles not moved by the start of construction each morning will be towed.
Please slow down, stay alert, pay attention to the warning signs and new or changed traffic signs, and obey the road crew flaggers. During construction motorists can expect delays, street closures, and detours.
Traffic Changes for street construction on Virginia Avenue
The City of Cumberland announces the following changes in traffic patterns due to the street construction for the “Virginia Avenue Corridor Improvement Project”.
On or about Monday April 12, 2010 the following changes to traffic will occur:
· Virginia Avenue from Oldtown Road to the Industrial Boulevard will become one-way in the southbound direction (from Oldtown Road to the Industrial Boulevard).
· Northbound traffic will be detoured from the intersection of Virginia Avenue with the Industrial Boulevard northbound on Industrial Boulevard to Lamont Street, and west on Lamont Street to the Oldtown Road Maryland Avenue intersection.
These changes will remain in effect for the duration of this project.
Also during the project parking changes will occur. During construction parking will be prohibited in the immediate area of construction (or to allow for lane shifts), but angle parking will be used in other sections of Virginia Avenue, within the project limits, to maintain the amount of available parking.
Please slow down, stay alert, pay attention to the warning signs and new or changed traffic signs, and obey the road crew flaggers. During construction motorists can expect delays, lane closures, and detours.
Current Road Conditions
For Maryland Road Conditions Click here
For West Virgnia Road conditions click here and for interactive maps click here
For Pennsylvania Road Conditions click here and for interactive maps click here