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Politics & Government

Maryland Prepares for Winter Road Conditions

The State Highway Administration hosted the "Snow Show and Road-eo" on Monday

The State Highway Administration is preparing for winter with hopes that this season will be nothing like the blizzards that hit the state last year.

At the annual "Snow Show and Road-eo" on Monday, a SHA official explained how new tools and procedures will be used to protect residents in extreme winter conditions.

In an effort to reduce salt debris, which eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay, SHA will be use a natural sugar beet molasses blend on the roads. The blend allows better adherence to the pavement and enhances salt and salt brine effectiveness in colder temperatures.

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Last year's blizzards cost the state $124.8 million.

In addition to the new methods of road maintenance, SHA strongly urges drivers to stay away from snow plows when driving. Oftentimes, snow plow drivers cannot see cars around them and drop snow debris, which can cause accidents in already slippery conditions.

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