GDOT faces harsh road conditions amid statewide winter weather

GDOT

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) – As a winter storm swept across Georgia on Tuesday, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) continues to work around the clock to address hazardous road conditions.

Crews have been treating and plowing roads throughout Atlanta and beyond, focusing on interstate highways and secondary routes.

Despite these efforts, icy conditions remain a significant challenge.

A State of Emergency is in effect across Georgia, and GDOT strongly urges residents to avoid travel whenever possible.

Hazardous road conditions remain persistent, particularly in areas south of I-20 and southeast of I-85.

GDOT emphasizes that staying off the roads allows their crews to clear and treat them more effectively.

GDOT crews pre-treated roadways with over 1.7 million gallons of brine before the storm arrived.

However, the extreme cold has reduced its effectiveness, especially in areas where temperatures have fallen below 20°F.

Icy conditions have led to multiple accidents, including instances on I-75 south of Atlanta and I-95 near Savannah.

In response, GDOT has deployed 448 snowplow units and is applying salt and calcium chloride to combat ice buildup.

“Georgia DOT asks for the public’s patience right now. This is a highly unusual winter weather event impacting nearly three-quarters of the state and our crews cannot be everywhere at once.  Georgia DOT will need time, ability to access the roads to treat or plow, and warmer temperatures working in our favor to help restore and maintain passable conditions. We thank Georgia’s citizens for staying off the roads and for your patience and understanding while our crews are working around the clock.”

-GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry

GDOT urges people to stay at home if possible, and for those who must travel, to use extreme caution.

The risk of black ice is high at night, even on previously cleared roads.

All Georgia Express Lanes remain closed until conditions improve.

For further updates and winter weather preparedness resources, visit the GDOT website at https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/pages/WinterWeather.aspx.