GDOT to begin brine operations in SWGA Sunday ahead of winter weather event
TIFTON - Georgia Department of Transportation crews will begin brine operations in Southwest Georgia on Sunday morning ahead of what is expected to be an unusual statewide winter weather event.
Southwest Georgia hasn't experienced snow or ice since 2018's winter storm Grayson, but current forecast models show the potential for snow or freezing rain in this area of the state possibly beginning Tuesday into Wednesday. Local GDOT crews will be working 12-hour shifts for the duration of the event, beginning with application of brine. Brine operations could be delayed depending on weather conditions.
"We've got 3,600 lane miles in the district. We're going to begin with our critical routes and work our way out from there. We're going to start on Interstate 75 and once that's completed we'll begin brining other routes as we can," Southwest Georgia District Engineer Scott Chambers said. "We expect additional resources from our brine contractor to get to our district on Monday to treat other routes off interstate according to our route priority list."
Georgia DOT regularly treats roadways, bridges and overpasses with brine, a mixture of salt and water which is used to lower the freezing point of precipitation on the pavement from 32 degrees to approximately 25 degrees. Southwest Georgia has brine tanks stationed at seven locations around the 31-county district.
Drivers are reminded not to crowd Georgia DOT vehicles on the road to give crews space to help ensure they can safely do their jobs. Brine trucks must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment.
Georgia DOT crews will respond to treat roads with a salt and rock mixture for ice and plows for snow removal, as necessary. 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.
Southwest Georgia residents are encouraged to follow local weather resources for specific conditions in their areas. The best resource for state route travel conditions is 511GA. Download the 511GA app or visit 511GA.org. Motorists can also get real-time traffic assistance or information, or report an issue on Georgia state roads, by dialing 511 hands-free on a mobile phone, 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.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.
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