GDOT: Expect refreezing and black ice on roadways

Governor urges Georgians to “stay home, stay safe and remain off the roads.”

State transportation crews are busy trying to clear roads in the wake of Winter Storm Inga. Precipitation moved out of the state early this morning, and while most interstates and state routes are largely clear and passable, ice is proving to be a challenge in isolated spots. Motorists should expect refreezing and black ice on roadways this evening into tomorrow morning.

READ Officials urge drivers to ‘stay off the roads’; reserve 911 for emergencies

The Georgia DOT says crews have been working rotating 12-hour shifts treating the interstates today, and will refocus their efforts on state routes and isolated trouble spots throughout tonight into tomorrow morning. The Department issued a media release late Wednesday noting that “treatment and re-treatment do not make snow and ice disappear completely, so motorists are urged to heed warnings and avoid all travel whenever possible.”

I urge people to stay home, stay safe and remain off the roads. – Gov. Nathan Deal

“Especially in situations like today, when the temperature remains below freezing, we advise motorists to heed the warning to stay off the roadways. Even treated roads will have icy patches once the temperature drops even lower tonight,” says Georgia DOT’s Director of Emergency Operations Bryan Haines. “These icy roads can make for treacherous driving.”

Governor Nathan Deal today extended a state of emergency due to the weather for 83 counties, spanning much of central and north Georgia. The line extends from Columbus to Macon to Augusta and northward.

Icy roads resulted in numerous wrecks in and around Habersham. This wreck on the Hwy. 441 Bypass in Baldwin temporarily stalled southbound traffic Wednesday morning. (photo/Amanda Mabrey)

State government is closed again tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 18) in the impacted areas for non-essential personnel.

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“Our top priority is to ensure the safety of Georgians and to allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to continue doing its job,” Gov. Deal says. “Due to yesterday’s winter weather and continued freezing temperatures, ice continues accumulating on our roadways. In light of this, I urge people to stay home, stay safe and remain off the roads. We will continue to monitor the weather and to provide updates as necessary.”

Georgia DOT crews will continue to use a mixture of calcium chloride and brine to help melt and break up the ice. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution even on treated roads, bridges and overpasses where snow and ice may have melted and refrozen.

Updated 1/7/18 @6:30pm