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Ice Remains Significant Concern; Georgia DOT Crews Continue to Monitor, Treat Roadways
ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) crews continue to actively respond to winter storm impacts across north and north-central Georgia as conditions evolve with additional weather, wind gusts and much colder temperatures projected overnight - ice remains a significant concern on roadways, trees and powerlines. As of this evening, there are a number of road closures primarily in Northeast Georgia due to debris and icy road conditions.
Ongoing Operations
Georgia DOT maintenance teams are continuing treating, re-treating, and plowing roads, bridges, and overpasses on impacted interstates and state routes this evening and overnight, as long as conditions remain safe enough for crews to work. Motorists should understand that if conditions become hazardous enough to present a life or safety risk to Georgia DOT personnel, work may be temporarily suspended until conditions improve.
As part of Georgia DOT's metro Atlanta treatment plan, crews applied an additional 115,000 gallons of brine today, bringing the total applied statewide since brine operations began on Friday to more than 1.5 million gallons during this storm. Crews also deployed plows and additional materials today to assist with combatting the evolving weather, applying approximately 1,350 tons of aggregate and 450 tons of salt to priority routes in the hardest hit areas. All critical infrastructure north and northeast of I-20 was addressed, with particular emphasis placed on I-85 and State Route 400.
As conditions warrant, Georgia DOT will transition to a strategy of maintaining a single passable lane on certain segments of interstate highways I-85, I-285 and SR 400 - defined as the outside lane connected to entrance and exit ramps - rather than attempting to keep all lanes clear. This approach allows crews to focus resources where they can be most effective and helps ensure that every interstate remains passable. When conditions allow crews to safely and efficiently maintain more than one lane, they will do so.
Travel Advisory Remains in Effect
Motorists are still strongly urged to remain off the roadways, if possible, to allow crews to work and for everyone's safety. While precipitation is expected to move out of the area tonight, the potential for re-freezing is very high across much of the region. Gusty winds combined with falling temperatures will drive pavement temperatures below freezing. Any remaining moisture on roadways is expected to refreeze, even on previously treated surfaces.
This refreezing can create extremely dangerous driving conditions, including black ice, which is often impossible to detect until a vehicle encounters it. Georgia DOT urges the public to stay in tonight and avoid the morning commute if possible. Avoiding travel through Monday is the safest decision motorists can make.
For motorists who absolutely must travel, Georgia DOT reminds drivers to use extreme caution, reduce vehicle speeds, provide ample distance between vehicles and when approaching a signalized intersection experiencing a potential power outage. When traffic signals are dark or flashing due to power loss, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop, proceed only when it is safe to do so, and be alert for other vehicles that may have difficulty stopping on icy pavement.
Motorists who encounter debris in the roadway from fallen trees or limbs are urged not to attempt to clear the roadway themselves. Downed debris may contain live power lines, which pose a serious risk of electrocution. Instead, motorists should safely report the blockage by dialing 511 hands-free on a mobile device so crews and utility partners can respond.
All Georgia Express Lanes will remain closed until further notice. This includes the I-75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes, I-75 South Metro Express Lanes, and both I-85 Express Lanes facilities.
Contact 511GA for Current Conditions
As of Sunday evening, there are currently several road closures primarily located in northeast Georgia, due to debris or icy 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 in need of assistance can also request 24-hour HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) and CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Patrol) assistance by dialing 511.
Motorists are 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 DOT will continue to monitor conditions closely and adjust operations and staffing resources as needed to respond to changing weather impacts safely and as effectively as possible.
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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