Georgia DOT preparing to brine east-central Georgia routes
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Augusta, Ga. - With winter weather potentially impacting east-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 27-county District Two 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-20, I-520, 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 2's entire 27-county area. Because of the large area that could be impacted, treatment plans are being driven by priority. Our highest priorities are I-20, I-16, and Bobby Jones Expressway, followed by high-priority multi-lane state routes, including US 1, US 25, US 441, and SR 540. 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.
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