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City of Baltimore Prepares for Another Round of Winter Weather

Crews pre-treated roadways in advance of the storm;  Residents urged to prepare for the Friday morning commute

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, January 18, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Corren Johnson announced that the city is gearing up for another round of winter weather. For the second time this week, snow is forecast in the Baltimore region beginning early Friday morning and continuing until early Saturday. A total snow accumulation of 1” to 3" is projected for Baltimore City, impacting travel throughout the day tomorrow. 

“As the city braces for another winter storm this week, we encourage residents to prepare for Friday morning weather, please plan extra time for your commute and be aware slick ice can still be present under new snow,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Safety is our biggest priority, and even with back-to-back snowstorms, our snow crews are committed to keeping city streets passable, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. If you see roads that need to be treated or icy conditions, please contact 3-1-1 to report it."

The Baltimore City Snow Team has been readying its snow equipment and pre-treated primary roadways, city gateways, bridges and overpasses the evening of the 17th with salt brine to help prevent the initial bonding of snow and ice to the pavement. Snow crews will activate at 10:00 p.m. this evening to monitor weather and roadway conditions and will work throughout the storm.

With salt supplies being replenished throughout the day, nearly 300 pieces of city equipment, and an additional 398 pieces of contractor apparatuses, the city is fully prepared for efficient operations during this next round of winter weather.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and be prepared for inclement weather. Conditions can change rapidly, and winter precipitation can cause roadways to become slick, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges, ramps and overpasses which freeze more quickly than roadways.

During winter storms, residents are advised to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary, which helps our crews to treat city streets more efficiently, because any vehicles that become disabled will obstruct the movement of plow trucks and hinder our removal efforts.

Residents who must travel during the storm are strongly advised to follow the guidelines below:

  • Plan additional travel time on Friday so that you arrive to your destination safely.
  • Drive at reduced speeds for safety, as posted speed limits are based on ideal/dry weather conditions.
  • Allow extra following distance and remember not to “crowd the plow” by staying behind working snow vehicles and leaving them plenty of space to operate. 
  • Clear ice and snow from your vehicle before driving which can become dislodged and hazardous for other motorists.
  • Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and those with disabilities or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated on Friday January 19, 2024 at 3:00 a.m.

Icy conditions and streets that need to be addressed can be called-in to 3-1-1 or submitted to the 3-1-1 app. 

For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations, check social media resources and visit the city’s snow page at snow.baltimorecity.gov.

Code Blue Declaration

Today, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) officially announced a Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration, effective Friday evening, January 19th through Monday morning, January 22nd.

Please take the necessary precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.

More information on Code Blue Declarations can be found here: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue 

Warming Stations & Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will open the following Rec Centers to serve as warming stations:

  • Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center
    4001 Clifton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216
    9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Rita Church Community Center
    2101 St Lo Drive, Baltimore, MD 21213
    9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has activated emergency shelters for residents who need assistance. If you are in need of shelter, please call the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline (443) 984-9540 or 2-1-1. This hotline operates from 8:30 am – 9:00 pm on winter shelter days. For after hours needs from 9:00 p.m. – midnight, please call the Winter Shelter Hotline (410) 305-7132.

For additional Winter Shelter info, visit: https://homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter 

Warming centers for those experiencing homelessness:

  • My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (for women and children only)
    17 W Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
    7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Beans & Bread
    402 S Bond St, Baltimore, MD 21231
    8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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Mayor Brandon M. Scott & Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Announce Phoenix Road Bridge Construction is Complete;  Bridge in Loch Raven Reservoir is now officially open for motorists

BALTIMORE, MD (November 20, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott was joined by Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach, Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Corren Johnson, along with officials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Baltimore City and County Departments of Public Works and Transportation to announce that the construction of the new Phoenix Road Bridge in Loch Raven Reservoir is now complete. 

Today’s opening of the new Phoenix Road Bridge will reinstall 2-way traffic along Phoenix Road and reconnect communities in the Loch Raven Reservoir,” said Mayor Brandon Scott.  “Ensuring our roads and bridges meet the needs of residents is one of our most important responsibilities.  With projects like this along with the work being done by our Department of Transportation and my Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development, Baltimore City is taking historic strides to improve the city’s infrastructure in every part of our city.  This project would not have been possible without the incredible collaboration between the City, County, and all our project partners and I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who worked diligently on this project.” 

The replacement of the Phoenix Road Bridge over the Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County began in June 2022.  The project included the construction of a new 3-span steel girder bridge and demolition of the original 100-year-old structure.  The bridge was finished with a reinforced concrete deck, iron railings and decorative brick façade.  The new structure, which is 435 feet long, is one of the longest spanning bridges within the three city-owned reservoirs.

During construction, stringent environmental protections had to be implemented to safeguard the region’s drinking water supply and to protect the NCR Trail below.  All plans and specifications were reviewed and approved in compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment rules and regulations.  Monthly inspections for the conformance of these regulations were performed throughout construction of the new bridge.  In addition, the City worked closely with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in order to use the NCR Trail during construction. 

Although the Phoenix Road Bridge is located in Baltimore County, the City of Baltimore is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all the transportation infrastructure in its three reservoirs including Loch Raven, Liberty and Prettyboy.  This $10.5 million bridge replacement project was a joint venture between the City and Baltimore County, which demonstrates a truly successful partnership amongst these jurisdictions.

Investments in our infrastructure are investments in our people,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “The Phoenix Road Bridge is a vital transportation link in northern Baltimore County, and we join residents and commuters alike in welcoming the return of this valued community interconnection.”

During construction, the Phoenix Road Bridge had to be completely closed for traffic.  Residents and commuters from Baltimore and Harford counties endured construction activities and significant detour routes while the new bridge was being built.  After nearly a year and a half of construction, the new structure was completed one month ahead of schedule.

This afternoon, the new Phoenix Road Bridge was reopened to traffic during a press event with Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and project partners.  To celebrate this momentous occasion, members of the Chesapeake Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America inaugurated the new bridge with the first official drive over the Gunpowder Falls.   

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Warren Road Bridge in Loch Raven Reservoir to Open Today, Tuesday, October 31st; Bridge reopening will improve commute times for many Baltimore and Harford County residents

The Baltimore City Departments of Transportation and Public Works are pleased to announce that the Warren Road Bridge repair work is now complete, and the bridge will soon reopen for vehicular traffic.  With repairs completed on time and as scheduled, the Warren Road Bridge will open for motorists by 6:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

The Warren Road Bridge, which crosses over the city-owned Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore County, has been closed to traffic since July 31st for emergency repair work to the bridge superstructure.  Repair work, which was expected to last approximately three months is now complete and the bridge will reopen to traffic as originally scheduled.  The opening of the bridge will improve commute times for many Baltimore and Harford County residents.   

Located in scenic northern Baltimore County, the Warren Road Bridge is owned by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works and managed by the City’s Department of Transportation.  Department of Transportation Director Corren Johnson and Public Works Interim Director Richard J. Luna would like to thank area residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience during construction, as Baltimore City worked to improve the transportation network in Baltimore’s watersheds.

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All text in this image is included in the notice above.

 


 

 

Recent News

City of Baltimore Prepares for Possible Snow Saturday Morning, February 17, 2024

Reduced visibility and slippery conditions are possible early Satuday

City of Baltimore Prepares for Another Round of Winter Weather

Crews pre-treated roadways in advance of the storm;  esidents urged to prepare for the Friday morning commute


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