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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2015
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Turnpike Officials Urge Public to Heed Blizzard Warnings
Motorists should avoid non-emergency travel
PORTLAND, Maine – Due to expected heavy snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions, the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) is urging motorists to avoid all non-emergency travel during the impending storm. The storm is expected to head from south to north, with snow starting in Kittery tonight around 8:00 p.m. and moving into Augusta by 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Deteriorating conditions are expected throughout the storm and may peak during the morning commute hours. The forecast includes poor visibility, high winds, and snow fall rates of more than two inches an hour.
“Even if we work around the clock with full crews and all of our equipment, there may be times when snow will fall or be blown onto the highway more rapidly than it can be removed. To make matters worse, visibility may often be totally obscured," said Peter Mills, Executive Director of the MTA. "When truck drivers can't see, they can't safely plow. Travel for everyone will be treacherous and perhaps impossible. We urge motorists to avoid travel unless necessary. Mainers pull together in times like these, and the best way to help is to stay off the roads and let the crews fight the storm.”
Despite treacherous conditions, the Turnpike plans to remain open as much as possible so that first responders, firemen, police officers, ambulance crews, and utility workers may respond to accidents, restore power, and render emergency health services.
The Maine Turnpike Authority administrative office and the E-ZPass Customer Service Center will be closed Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Regular business hours will resume Wednesday, January 28, 2015.
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