Georgia DOT begins pre-treatment of roads statewide in anticipation of next winter storm
ATLANTA, GA - With frigid temperatures and the approaching wintry precipitation forecasted for much of the state early next week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is actively preparing and coordinating its statewide efforts. Brine operations, equipment staging, materials assessments, and staffing plans are ongoing to respond to the pending threat and pre-treatment of thousands of miles of interstates and state routes across Georgia has begun. Georgia DOT began active statewide brine operations Sunday morning. Through today and into Monday crews will prioritize pre-treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses in all parts of the state with brine, prioritizing high-traffic routes and those that provide access to hospitals and urgent care centers.
Georgia DOT remains in close contact with the National Weather Service (NWS) and receives regular updates as the storm advances toward Georgia. A number of factors make this weather event unusual, including the sheer size and scope of this weather system, which is predicted to impact the entire state; the onset and duration of below-freezing temperatures will arrive early Monday and continue through Thursday, lowering road surface temperatures; and the type and possible accumulation of wintry precipitation. All of these are considerations as Georgia DOT implements its response. Every winter storm is different; next week's storm is larger and will have more lingering impacts than the swath of wintry weather the northern and central part of the state experienced on January 10.
"Georgia DOT urges the public to recognize the sheer size of this particular storm. It has the potential to move quickly through our state, but leave significant impacts on a statewide level," said GDOT Commissioner, Russell R. McMurry, P.E. "Please, if you have to be on the roads during the next few days, give our men and women of GDOT room to work safely as we pre-treat the roads for the incoming winter weather. We need time, patience and understanding as our dedicated crews work during this multi-day event."
In anticipation of winter weather, Georgia DOT regularly treats roadways, bridges and overpasses with brine, a mixture of salt and water which is used as a preventative treatment to limit the bonding of ice to the pavement. A total of thirty-one (31) brine tankers, each with a 5,000-gallon capacity, are available statewide for deployment to apply brine treatment to interstates, state routes and other critical routes. The primary fleet of tankers is supplemented by smaller units in each Georgia DOT district as well as by contractor forces. Brine solution works best when applied before snow and ice accumulate on roadways when temperatures are at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above, and when conditions are dry. Sunday's brine operations will take place before the arrival of sub-freezing temperatures on Monday across Georgia. Crews will continue to pre-treat roads on Monday provided the road surface temperatures are favorable.
Motorists in affected areas are urged to plan ahead and limit travel as much as possible beginning mid-day Tuesday. With at least one to two inches of snow currently predicted across north Georgia and a wide range throughout the central portion of the state, including the metro Atlanta area, motorists can expect roadway conditions to deteriorate rapidly once precipitation begins to fall. In spite of pre-treatment, atmospheric and road surface temperatures could cause freezing on the roads. 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 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.
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 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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