The Georgia Department of Transportation began brine treatment of interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses Sunday morning in preparation for the arrival of wintry precipitation and possible ice accumulation overnight into Monday morning. A second shift of Georgia DOT crews will monitor conditions and continue treatment overnight on bridges and roadways from 9 p.m. Sunday. They’ll continue to treat the roads as necessary into Monday, according to a press release issued by the state transportation department.
Additional HERO units will monitor assigned routes and CHAMP operators will double their efforts in the Northwest and Northeast portions of the state and along the Interstate 20 corridor.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued three winter weather advisories in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, January 8, for portions of western and northern Georgia. Ice accumulations are possible in the affected areas. “Any freezing rain will create a glaze on roadways leading to hazardous travel conditions, especially bridges and overpasses,” Georgia DOT warns. “The threat of winter weather means that motorists should seriously consider alternatives to driving to work in metro Atlanta on Monday.”
Big game. Big traffic.
Traffic in metro Atlanta is already expected to be heavier than normal through the remainder of the weekend and on Monday as Atlanta gears up for Monday’s College Football National Championship Game between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta.
MARTA will offer additional rail service beginning at 5 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday. Rail service will operate on a weekday schedule on Sunday with trains arriving more frequently. On Monday, all rail lines will provide service with more frequency and additional trains will be added as needed. Commuters are also urged to use GRTA Xpress Bus Serviceto get into and around the city.
During hazardous winter weather conditions, Georgia DOT advises motorists to:
- Call 5-1-1 to report icy conditions on interstates, state routes, overpasses and bridges;
- If possible, postpone travel until daylight hours when road conditions such as black ice are more visible;
- Pay attention to Georgia DOT trucks spreading materials and, stay back a safe distance;
- 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 and other emergency crews working to clear snow, ice, debris and potential downed trees or power lines 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 icy patches (especially on bridges) and watch for fallen trees or power lines
