DOT Crews Prepare to Treat Local Roads After Rain Moves Out

ATLANTA, GA -- The Georgia Department of Transportation is preparing to treat metro Atlanta roads early this afternoon as soon as rain moves out of the area.

“Our biggest concern is the small window of time that we have to get ahead of the snow and ice that is forecasted,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. “We will have our crews strategically placed in locations where they can quickly spread the materials on all the major interstates and state routes. But we must have the public’s cooperation in this effort. We cannot spread the materials if we are stuck in traffic; and without the materials on the roadway before the snow hits, we lose a valuable tool in fighting the effects of this winter storm.”

The latest forecast indicates a window between 3-6 pm in Metro Atlanta where the Department will have trucks on the highways applying brine and spreading materials.

“It is essential that the public be off the roads at this time to enable GDOT in our efforts to successfully get this material on the roadway,” the department said in a release.

Northeast Georgia road crews are scouting, treating isolated icy spots and plowing roadways in Union, Towns, Rabun, Lumpkin and Habersham counties. Northwest Georgia crews began monitoring conditions overnight and begin 12-hour shifts this morning. Metro Atlanta crews will begin 12-hour shifts at noon today. The Governor has issued a state of emergency for 21 counties ending Sunday, Jan. 24, at midnight and has ordered state offices closed at noon today.

The winter storm forecasted to move into the metro area this afternoon is expected to dump sleet and snow with strong wind gusts later this afternoon. As a result, Georgia DOT will immediately begin spreading materials as soon as rain moves out of the area.

Here are some of the DOT’s preparations:

• 16 brine trucks to apply materials across metro and north Georgia interstates and state routes. More than 150,000 gallons of brine has been prepared and we have the ability to produce additional brine as the need arises;
• 18 plow truck teams (approximately 5 plow trucks per team) will be strategically located on key interstates and state routes to begin plowing and treating roadways as soon as snow begins falling;
• 15 strike teams which include Georgia DOT HEROs, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Forestry Department and the Department of Natural Resources, will begin patrolling Metro Atlanta interstates at noon on Friday to clear incidents and accidents blocking travel lanes ; and
• 41 special response teams will also be on hand to address “hot spot” areas in the Metro Atlanta area.

“As in all winter storms, we caution motorists to pay attention to our trucks spreading materials. Stay back a safe distance for your safety and for the safety of our crews working to clear the roadways,” McMurry added.

During hazardous winter weather conditions, Georgia DOT advises motorists to:

• Call 511 to report icy conditions on interstates and state routes;
• If possible, postpone travel until daylight hours when road conditions such as black ice are more visible;
• Do not pass a Georgia DOT dump truck spreading the salt/gravel mixture, as gravel may kick up and could break car windshields — follow at least 100 feet behind Department vehicles;
• Be aware of Georgia DOT crews working to clear snow and ice from interstates and state routes;
• slow down at least half your normal speed and use a low gear as you drive;
• Treat a non-working traffic signal as a four-way stop; and
• Beware of black ice (especially on bridges) and watch for fallen trees or power lines.