ATLANTA — Georgia Department of Transportation crews worked through the night to treat interstates and state routes across north and north-central Georgia as a winter storm continued to move through the region and colder temperatures settled in.
According to Georgia DOT, crews focused on areas expected to see the greatest impacts, applying brine, salt and aggregate to reduce ice accumulation on roadways, bridges and overpasses. As of Thursday morning, approximately 1.3 million gallons of brine, 1.6 million pounds of salt and 3.5 million pounds of aggregate had been applied across the northern region of the state.
As conditions worsened in parts of north and northeast Georgia, the agency began shifting additional resources — including personnel, snowplows and brine trucks — to the hardest-hit areas. Crews remain on 12-hour shifts and will continue treating, re-treating and plowing roadways where conditions allow, with priority given to interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses that are especially prone to icing.
Georgia DOT officials noted that heavy rain expected later in the day could temporarily wash brine from roadways. If that occurs, crews may pause brining operations until rainfall subsides, then resume treatment as conditions permit.
A travel advisory remains in effect statewide, with DOT officials urging motorists to avoid travel. Daylight conditions have revealed increasing ice accumulation in many areas as temperatures continue to drop, including on some roads that were previously treated. Officials warned that ice is one of the most dangerous and difficult conditions to manage and that road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Temperatures across much of north Georgia are expected to fall below freezing again tonight, raising concerns that wet pavement could refreeze even in treated areas. Motorists are urged to avoid travel today, tonight and into Friday. Closures of many schools, state offices and businesses across north and central Georgia are expected to help reduce traffic during the hazardous period.
The statewide State of Emergency remains in effect through Thursday, allowing Georgia to mobilize resources, speed emergency response and enhance public safety efforts. Georgia DOT reported traffic volumes are down by as much as 80% on some interstates and thanked the public for heeding warnings to stay off the roads.
All Georgia Express Lanes remain closed until further notice, including the I-75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes, I-75 South Metro Express Lanes and both I-85 Express Lanes facilities.
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed by checking road conditions through 511GA by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org or using the 511GA mobile app. Drivers can also request HERO or CHAMP roadside assistance through 511. Georgia DOT will continue to provide updates through its social media channels as weather conditions evolve.