Governor Closes I-70 and I-270
Effective immediately, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared I-70 from I-695 to I-81 and I-270 from I-495 to I-70 closed until Sunday morning at 7 a.m. These highways continue to be completely covered in snow. Pavement is not visible.
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 includes 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 Governor 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 K. Rahn. “We can clear snow and ice on an empty highway much faster than one littered with cars and tractor trailers.”
Heavy bands of snow are still present over central Maryland with the heaviest band over Baltimore. These bands of snow are showing signs of weakening and are expected to slowly diminish in the region by 11:00 p.m. Another 2-4” inches are possible in the area, with the highest amounts occurring in localized pockets.
