Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) crews have applied about one million gallons of brine to interstates and state routes across central and north Georgia in advance of an expected ice storm. As of 6 p.m. Saturday, the pre-treatment targeted approximately 18,000 lane miles, with particular attention to highways, bridges, and overpasses that are especially prone to icing as temperatures fall.
Maintenance teams and contractors are working in 12-hour shifts around the clock. Brine application will continue for as long as conditions permit. If snow begins to accumulate, crews will switch from brining to plowing operations. Brine is a saltwater mixture used to help prevent ice from bonding to pavement during winter storms.
Weather forecasts indicate ongoing precipitation in north Georgia with falling temperatures that could lead to rapid ice formation on roads. Officials warn that hazardous driving conditions can develop quickly and unevenly, particularly on elevated roadways. Even treated surfaces may become icy as weather conditions worsen.
To monitor road conditions in real time, Georgia DOT uses more than 50 Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) sensors statewide. These devices track pavement temperature, air temperature, precipitation type, wind speed, and surface status. The data helps determine where additional treatment is needed and how resources should be deployed as the storm evolves.
The agency also warns drivers about potential hazards such as fallen trees or downed power lines caused by ice accumulation. “If you encounter downed trees or power lines, do not attempt to clear or cross them. Report these hazards to local authorities or call 911. Motorists should turn around and take an alternative route when it is safe to do so.”
Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) and Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Patrol (CHAMP) units continue 24-hour patrols on interstates throughout the storm period. They assist stranded motorists, respond to accidents, remove disabled vehicles, and manage traffic where possible; however their presence does not guarantee that roads are safe for travel.
“Georgia DOT strongly advises motorists to remain where they are for their own safety,” according to the department’s statement. “Continuing to travel places drivers and passengers at significant risk and may also hinder emergency response and roadway operations.” The agency reports that interstate traffic volumes have decreased by roughly 30%–70%, suggesting many residents are following guidance against non-essential travel.
Crews will keep monitoring roadways statewide but caution that severe icing can outpace their ability to safely treat surfaces; work may be paused if conditions pose a direct threat to worker safety.
Motorists seeking updates are encouraged use Georgia’s traveler information system—511GA—by visiting https://511ga.org/, using the mobile app or calling 511 for current road status updates or assistance requests. Additional updates will be provided through social media channels including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
Georgia DOT continues coordination with both the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the National Weather Service as winter weather impacts unfold across affected areas.
“The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.”
