The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is preparing for a winter weather event expected to impact much of the state starting early Saturday, January 31. Forecasts predict snowfall across northeast, east, southeast, and central Georgia, including the Atlanta metro area.
In response, Georgia DOT is launching a statewide effort by moving crews, equipment, and materials into areas forecasted to be most affected. Brine operations are scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Friday in most regions and at 10 p.m. Thursday in metro Atlanta. The department will focus on interstates and high-priority routes first.
“Georgia DOT has replenished the brine used before and during last weekend’s storm and is prepared once again with nearly two million gallons of brine statewide to treat roads before and during this storm, with the capacity to make an additional 50,000 gallons per hour,” according to the department.
Crews will treat outside lanes and ramps only on major interstates such as I-75 from Tennessee to Macon, I-85 from Atlanta to South Carolina, I-20 through Atlanta eastward, I-285, I-16, and I-95. This approach aims to cover more roadways ahead of plowing operations.
For resource management during the storm’s duration, Georgia DOT will prioritize outside lanes on all interstates. On multi-lane highways, both outside lanes and ramps will be treated; on two-lane roads in each direction, one lane plus ramps will be addressed.
Approximately 570 snow removal units are ready statewide—including 439 snowplows that double as spreaders or dump trucks—and about 130 heavy-duty pickups equipped with plows and spreaders. These vehicles will remain active throughout the storm to keep critical routes open.
“Once plowing begins, Georgia DOT crews will continue plowing during the storm and after snowfall ends. Due to the nature of this storm — including large, fluffy snowflakes combined with extremely low temperatures — accumulation is expected to continue even after routes have been treated and plowed,” stated the department.
Motorists should not expect clear roadways during heavy snowfall periods even after treatment or plowing has occurred. Crews will stay on duty throughout and following the event until conditions improve.
Contractor forces are set to supplement GDOT staff across Georgia. The public is urged to watch for brine trucks and snowplows starting Friday morning.
“Georgia DOT urges the public to remain aware of weather alerts and avoid travel whenever possible on Saturday and Sunday. Keeping traffic off the roads while crews are treating and plowing allows operations to be more effective and is the safest option for everyone. Motorists who must travel should exercise extreme caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra stopping distance on snow-covered roads,” said officials.
HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) and CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Patrol) units are prepared for round-the-clock operations assisting stranded motorists where needed. Drivers can call 511 for assistance or up-to-date information about road conditions.
Local governments generally handle county or city roads separately from state-maintained highways; drivers should check with local authorities for updates regarding those routes before traveling.
Georgia Express Lanes may close depending on weather impacts; updates will be issued as necessary based on conditions observed by GDOT teams monitoring these corridors closely.
For ongoing information about closures or incidents related to this winter weather event in Georgia—including maps showing current conditions—drivers can visit https://511ga.org/ or call 511GA before traveling.
The department also encourages residents to follow its social media accounts for real-time advisories as conditions change over the weekend.
“Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.”
