Although the brining process is intended to make roads less severe, officials with Georgia’s Department of Transportation on Friday said that doesn’t mean they’re safe for drivers.
Brine is a salt/water solution placed along the roadways to counter heavy snow and ice events.
“As far as a department, we’re not having any issues with the brine,” GDOT spokesperson Nathan Johnston said. “The brining in general doesn’t help with the accumulation or melting of the ice and snow. It keeps the ice from sticking to the roadway, so when we go through to clear it, it’s easy to remove.”
Like officials across the state, Johnston said drivers should stay off the roads as snow continues to accumulate.
“We advise people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” he said. “In these situations, regardless of how experienced or unexperienced drivers are, it’s snow. It’s mother nature. You’ve got to be careful out there.”
Many motorists throughout North Georgia who have attempted the roads throughout the day have slid off-road or been stranded on the roadside.
Old 441 Northbound near the Hollywood area had to be shutdown around 11:30 a.m. on Friday due to severe road conditions and drivers losing control of their vehicles.
Roads are expected to worsen throughout the day as temperatures drop.
