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As snowfall and icy conditions gripped much of the state Tuesday afternoon and evening, Georgia DOT continued its work overnight to treat and plow roads across much of Atlanta and in the central, southern and coastal parts of the state. On Wednesday morning, crews were still hard at work to focus on interstates and secondary routes that, as expected and in spite of pre-treatment, were posing particular challenges due to icing caused by precipitation and extreme low temperatures.
A State of Emergency declaration remains in effect for all of Georgia. Today is not a normal travel day in most of the state. Georgia DOT requests the public’s patience as the department deals with the impacts of this highly unusual storm and its after-effects. Travel this morning south of I-20 and south and east of I-85 is hazardous to very dangerous. Georgia DOT advises those who are able to shelter in place and telework throughout today should do so; citizens should do whatever they can to stay off the roads. Even where interstates are relatively clear, due to extreme freezing temperatures many secondary routes are iced over and extremely hazardous. Georgia DOT cannot clear or treat the roads when they are gridlocked with vehicles; fewer vehicles on the road means roads can be cleared more effectively. Sunshine will help start the melting process but temperatures are still bitterly cold, which means the road surface temperatures are also below freezing. This makes it even harder for crews to effectively treat roads.
Ice is the most challenging roadway condition for Georgia DOT crews to combat. While interstates and priority state routes had all been pre-treated with more than 1.7 million gallons brine at least once beginning 48 hours before the storm’s arrival, as of Wednesday morning numerous crashes had been reported across the state. In some instances, crashes involving tractor-trailers had caused massive backups and closures, particularly on sections of I-75 south of Atlanta and I-95 in Chatham County, primarily on and around the interchange at I-16 and I-95 near Savannah. Temperatures well below freezing have hindered the effectiveness of brine in many areas; brine is most effective at temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Georgia DOT crews have begun applying salt and calcium chloride in many locations to combat icing and will continue to monitor conditions and remain as agile as possible to deal with the hardest-hit areas. Additionally, 448 snowplow units have been deployed across the state.
“Georgia DOT asks for the public’s patience right now. This is a highly unusual winter weather event impacting nearly three-quarters of the state and our crews cannot be everywhere at once,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. “Georgia DOT will need time, ability to access the roads to treat or plow, and warmer temperatures working in our favor to help restore and maintain passable conditions. We thank Georgia’s citizens for staying off the roads and for your patience and understanding while our crews are working around the clock.”
Black ice is always a concern at night. Even where ice is cleared or melts during the day today, bitterly cold temps overnight will likely cause refreezing to occur. Motorists should be aware that all roads, especially secondary routes and local streets, can be particularly dangerous due to black ice patches at night. If you must travel, try to delay your travel until daylight hours.
Please drive with extreme caution, check 511GA to plan your route, expect delays and hazardous conditions and give GDOT crews room and space on the roads to help ensure they can safely do their jobs. Motorists are also advised to stay back at least 100 feet from the rear of the truck and do not pass a Georgia DOT truck spreading salt or gravel, as gravel may kick up and damage vehicles which are following too closely. Please pay attention and give crews room to work safely from all areas of their vehicle – behind the vehicle and in front of the vehicle.
Many local public transit operators have cancelled or delayed service today. Transit users across the state should check with their local transit operator for cancellations or modified service schedules and routes.
As of Wednesday morning, all Georgia Express Lanes facilities remain closed. Crews will monitor conditions on each of the facilities and re-open them to traffic as conditions allow.
511GA is a free service of Georgia DOT for the benefit of Georgia citizens. Many closures and delays are being reported across the state, and 511GA is the best available resource to remain up-to-date. For real-time traffic assistance or information, or to report an issue on Georgia roads, contact 511GA by dialing 511 hands-free on your mobile phone, download the 511GA app to your mobile device or visit 511GA.org.
For a list of facts and materials related to Georgia DOT’s winter weather preparedness including fact sheets, photos and video, please visit https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/pages/WinterWeather.aspx.
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