The Georgia Department of Transportation is preparing for the extreme cold weather event by treating highways and bridges as counties brace for snow and ice expected to disrupt travel.
When temperatures drop, roads can ice over making driving conditions extremely dangerous.
That’s why the Georgia Department of Transportation spent Sunday protecting roadways by sending 31 bucket trucks out to brine interstates throughout Georgia, including I-95 in Glynn and Camden counties.
Each truck had about 5,000 gallons of brine.
RELATED: How Southeast Georgia is preparing for dangerous winter storm: County-by-county
Crews began in the early morning hours Sunday and applied brine to more than 6,000 lane miles of interstate alone.
Through Sunday evening 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.
The first shift of crews applied more than 800,000 gallons of brine statewide on Sunday during the day.
Crews changed shifts Sunday evening to continue brining efforts across the state overnight.
Crews will continue to pre-treat roads on Monday provided the road surface temperatures are favorable.
GDOT said 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.
Georgia DOT remains in close contact with the National Weather Service (NWS) and is receiving regular updates as the storm advances toward Georgia.
A number of factors continue to 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 which 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 being monitored and adjustments are being made accordingly as Georgia DOT implements its response.
Days of frigid temperatures, particularly bitterly cold overnight temperatures, will make it more difficult for Georgia DOT to keep roads clear due to below-freezing road surface temperatures and re-freezing overnight.
“As crews continue to pre-treat roads statewide, give our men and women of GDOT room to work safely for the incoming winter weather. We need time, patience and understanding as our dedicated crews work during this multi-day event,” said GDOT Commissioner, Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “This storm has a large footprint, and we will need time to clear roads once the storm arrives and passes.”
Drivers are urged to plan ahead and limit travel as much as possible beginning mid-day Tuesday.
With some level of snow accumulation currently predicted across north Georgia and throughout a large portion of central Georgia, including the metro Atlanta area, drivers 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. Drivers 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 that are following too closely.
Please pay attention and give crews room to work safely from all areas of their vehicle - behind the vehicle and in front of the vehicle.
Black ice warning
Even with the efforts of the crews, freezing temperatures can cause black ice, which is difficult to see.
The U.S. Forest Service suggests these tips in case you run into black ice on the road:
- Do NOT hit the brakes if you slip
- Bring your foot off the accelerator
- Remain calm and turn your steering wheel into the same direction the car is sliding in
- If you go off road try to steer into an empty field, a yard, or blanket of snow.
NEVER turn your wheel in the opposite direction, as this will cause you to spin out.
Also, if you have the option of switching to a lower gear this will allow you to have more control of your car.