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Georgia DOT Urges Continued Caution as Refreezing Remains a Threat; Crews Still Treating Roadways
ATLANTA - While skies today are clearer throughout much of Georgia, extremely cold temperatures across most of the state continue to pose hazards for motorists. The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) urges drivers to remain vigilant as refreezing is expected today and into this evening, creating the potential for black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas and elevated roadways.
Ongoing Operations
Road treatment operations are continuing in some locations, and Georgia DOT crews will remain on the roads spreading salt and treating hot spots where necessary. Motorists should be mindful of maintenance crews working along interstates and state routes, slow down to below the posted speed and move over a lane when possible, to give additional room for those crews to safely work.
"I want to express my sincere gratitude to every one of our Georgia DOT employees who have worked around the clock throughout this storm," Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry said. "Conditions in north and central Georgia continued to evolve which required us to be flexible in our approach, but our advance planning, materials and continuous treatment of the roads helped ensure we came through this event successfully."
In northeast Georgia, where the storm had its greatest impact, Georgia DOT southern district equipment and crews remain on the job assisting local Georgia DOT teams with ongoing clearance and recovery efforts. Some roadways remain closed as crews address remaining icy conditions and storm-related damage. Georgia DOT personnel continue to work alongside Georgia Power crews to ensure any downed power lines tangled in trees and limbs are safely removed so they can clear debris, address potential hazards and reopen roads as conditions allow.
"I want to thank the traveling public for heeding warnings from state and local officials to stay home and off the roads over the weekend, which allowed our crews to fully retreat roadways in the storm's path and work as safely and efficiently as possible," said McMurry. Traffic volumes declined by as much as 80% on Saturday and Sunday in some areas of the state.
Continued Caution Advised if Traveling
Although the sun is out, temperatures remain extremely cold and will drop further tonight, increasing the risk of refreezing and slick conditions. Drivers are still advised to proceed with extreme caution and not assume their regular route is completely clear from hazardous conditions.
Express Lanes Update
The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes will reopen this afternoon for southbound traffic. All other Georgia Express Lanes are being monitored and treated as needed, with reopening timelines to be determined.
Contact 511GA for Current Conditions
GDOT will continue to monitor conditions statewide and respond as needed. Drivers who must travel should allow extra time, reduce speeds and stay alert for changing roadway conditions. Motorists should continue to stay informed by checking 511ga.org for up-to-the-minute road conditions, closures or to report an incident. Motorists are also encouraged to stay informed and check road conditions before traveling by contacting 511GA for up-to-the-minute information or to report an incident. Motorists in need of assistance can also request HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) or CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Patrol) assistance by contacting 511GA.
Updates via Social Media
For the latest real-time updates and travel advisories, motorists are encouraged follow Georgia DOT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram for continuing updates as the storm develops. Georgia DOT will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as the winter storm continues.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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