Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) crews and contractors will begin applying brine to roads in east-central Georgia this weekend as a precaution against potential freezing conditions. The operations are scheduled to start at midnight on Friday, January 24, when a GDOT contractor will treat all state routes north of Interstate 20. On Saturday at 7 a.m., GDOT maintenance crews will begin treating Interstate 16, Interstate 20, Interstate 520/Bobby Jones Expressway, and all state routes between I-16 and I-20.
The brine solution, made from salt and water, is used to reduce the chance of ice forming on road surfaces. Trucks distributing the brine must travel at 40 mph for effective application. Motorists are advised to keep a distance of at least 100 feet behind these vehicles.
Forecasts indicate that refreezing may be an issue across the district for several nights following the initial event. Ice could also damage trees and power lines, which might result in debris blocking roads. GDOT noted that their crews cannot remove debris entangled with downed power lines until utility companies address the hazard.
Response efforts will prioritize interstates first, followed by key state routes such as US 1, US 25, US 441, SR 540, and SR 17 from Wrens to the Wilkes/Elbert County line.
Officials cautioned that roads may not remain safe for travel during icy conditions. “Roads are not guaranteed to remain safe for travel. Ice accumulations may cause significant travel hazards. Roads may become impassable. Travel during the event is strongly discouraged,” stated GDOT representatives in their announcement. They advised motorists who must drive during hazardous conditions to carry emergency supplies including food, water, blankets, extra clothing layers, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.
To assist with any incidents involving stranded drivers or vehicle accidents during this period, GDOT’s HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operators) and CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Patrol) units will conduct continuous patrols on interstates starting Saturday morning at 7 a.m., focusing primarily on I-20 and northern routes.
Crews will work around the clock beginning Saturday morning until weather threats subside. All district maintenance staff have been assigned to alternating twelve-hour shifts.
GDOT emphasized that their response plans are subject to change depending on updates from weather reports.
