Georgia DOT provides status of storm preparations; Brining will begin tomorrow morning Jan 19
THOMASTON, GA -With winter weather potentially impacting west-central Georgia next week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is actively preparing and coordinating brine operations, equipment, materials, and staffing plans to respond to the pending threat by treating hundreds of interstate and state route lane miles across the 31-county District Three area.
Prior to the weather system's arrival, crews will apply brine solution to interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow. Brine is a solution of salt and water used to decrease the probability of freezing under certain conditions.
Georgia DOT crews are scheduled to begin brine operations on Sunday at 7 a.m. Georgia DOT maintenance forces will begin by brining I-85 S, I-75, I-185 and I-16. A Georgia DOT contractor will focus on high-priority, multi-lane state routes.
Unlike last week's winter storm, this one has the potential to impact District 3's entire 31-county area. Because of the large area that could be impacted, treatment plans are being driven by priority. Our highest priorities are I-75, I-85, I-185 and I-16. Please note our plans are based on current weather reports and are subject to change. Our goal is to brine as many state route lane miles as possible before the event begins.
Beginning Sunday morning, we will have crews staffed around the clock. All district maintenance personnel will work 12-hour shifts until the event ends. Crews will be prepared to plow, salt, or brine roads as needed. Please note, brine operations could be delayed depending on weather conditions. The road temperature must be at least 20 degrees to successfully apply brine.
Brine tanks remain full across the district after last week's winter weather event. However, crews will be prepared to mix more brine solution as needed.
Please be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Please pay attention and stay back at least 100 feet.
All drivers in the district are asked to start making plans now to limit travel next week in case winter weather impacts the area.
For their safety, motorists in affected areas are asked to plan now to limit travel as much as possible from Friday morning through mid-day Saturday. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary or postpone until daylight when road conditions may be more visible. If you must venture out during this time, please drive with extreme caution and give GDOT crews room and space on the roads to help ensure they can safely do their jobs. Please be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Motorists are also advised not to 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 stay back at least 100 feet.
For real-time traffic assistance or information, to report an issue on Georgia roads, or to request roadside assistance contact 511GA by dialing 511 hands-free on your mobile phone, downloading the 511GA app 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.
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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