Atlanta, Ga. – Georgia DOT forces are now in full operation — applying brine and spreading salt and gravel materials on the roadway. A recent weather report from the National Weather Service forecasts the changeover from rain to snow between 2-5pm. With temperatures expected to remain above freezing until 8pm, Georgia DOT crews will apply brine on all lanes of all Metro Atlanta interstates. Once that is completed, crews will move to I-75 north in the northwestern part of the state.
“This will be a critical time for our crews to get some significant work done,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. “We cannot overstate the importance of these road crews being able to spread the material without having to stop in traffic.”
“We encourage motorists who may still be on the roadway, to move over and allow our trucks to treat the travel lanes as quickly as possible,” added Georgia DOT’s State Maintenance Engineer, Dale Brantley. “We have a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time and would appreciate the public’s help in this effort.”
Routes currently being brined include:
- I-75 from I-20 to Tennessee state line
- I-985 from I-85 to SR 369
- I-85 to the South Carolina state line
- Ga 400 from I-85 to Dawson/Lumpkin county line
- 575/515 from I-75 to SR 53 in Pickens county
- I-285, northern section from I-20 to I-20
- I-20 from Fulton Industrial Blvd to Wesley Chapel
The NE part of the state continues to experience snow and icing in Rabun, Habersham, Towns, Union, Lumpkin, and White counties. According to the National Weather Service, NE Georgia mountain areas could get up to 8 inches of snow and crews will continue to work 12-hour shifts plowing snow and spreading salt and gravel as needed. Northwest Georgia crews began monitoring conditions overnight and began 12-hour shifts earlier today.
During hazardous winter weather conditions, Georgia DOT advises motorists to:
Call 511 to report icy conditions on interstates and state routes;
If possible, postpone travel until daylight hours when road conditions such as black ice are more visible;
Do not pass a Georgia DOT dump truck spreading the salt/gravel mixture, as gravel may kick up and could break car windshields — follow at least 100 feet behind Department vehicles;
- Be aware of Georgia DOT crews working to clear snow and ice from interstates and state routes;
- SLOW DOWN at least half your normal speed and use a low gear as you drive;
- Treat a non-working traffic signal as a four-way stop; and
- Beware of black ice (especially on bridges) and watch for fallen trees or power lines
Georgia DOT urges travelers to exercise caution and call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions before getting on the road during a winter weather event. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. For more information on Georgia DOT, please visit www.dot.ga.gov.
