UPDATED: Governor Larry Hogan Closes I-270 and I-70 to Clear Snow from Roads
UPDATED Jan. 24: The highways have reopened to traffic.
ORIGINAL POST Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has ordered the immediate closure of the entire 34.7-mile length of I-270 and I-70 from I-81 in Washington County to the Baltimore Beltway.
The highways are expected to remain closed until 7 a.m. on Sunday to all motorists except for emergency personnel. The closures follow snow related traffic incidents involving several tractor trailers and other vehicles on both interstates.
“As the state continues to fiercely fight Snow Storm Jonas, I want the citizens of Maryland to know that the state is taking every step necessary to ensure their safety,” said Hogan. “Closing I-70 and I-270 will give us the time needed to deploy all our resources to clear these essential interstates as quickly as possible as we prepare to get our transportation network back up and running. I am urging all Marylanders to stay off every road in the state, whether it’s the interstate or a local road. Stay safe and stay at home while crews do their jobs.”
“Please stay home where you are safe and give us the time and space to our jobs,” said Maryland transportation Secretary Pete Rahn. “We can clear snow and ice on an empty highway much faster than one littered with cars and tractor trailers.”
Governor Hogan Closes I-70 and I-270 to Safely Clear the Interstates of Snow: https://t.co/IfWT9bOMtC
— Larry Hogan (@LarryHogan) January 24, 2016
Gov. Hogan has ordered immediate closure of all of I-270 and I-70 from Baltimore Beltway to I-81 in Wash Co. until 7 am Sun.
— MD State Police (@MDSP) January 24, 2016
The National Westher service does not name winter storms.
Edit: Weather