The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is preparing for a winter weather event expected to affect much of the state starting early Saturday, January 31. The forecast predicts snowfall across northeast, east, southeast, and central Georgia, including metro Atlanta. Georgia DOT is repositioning crews and equipment to areas likely to be most impacted.
Brine operations will commence at 7 a.m. on Friday, January 30, in most affected regions and at 10 p.m. in metro Atlanta. The focus will be on interstates and critical routes initially. Georgia DOT has replenished its brine supply with nearly two million gallons available statewide and can produce an additional 50,000 gallons per hour if needed.
For areas expecting significant impacts, only outside lanes and ramps on interstates such as I-75 from Tennessee to Macon, I-85 from Atlanta to South Carolina, I-20 through and east of Atlanta, I-285, I-16, and I-95 will be treated with brine.
Georgia DOT plans to manage resources for maximum coverage during the storm. Crews will prioritize outside lanes on interstates to keep them passable. Snow removal units include approximately 570 snowplows and spreaders ready for action throughout the storm.
Motorists are advised not to expect clear roads during heavy snowfall despite plowing efforts due to ongoing accumulation from large snowflakes combined with low temperatures. Georgia DOT trucks will remain active during and after the storm for road clearance.
Contractor forces will support Georgia DOT crews statewide. Motorists should watch for brine trucks and snowplows starting Friday morning. The public is urged to heed weather alerts and avoid travel over the weekend if possible for safety reasons.
HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) and CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Patrol) units are prepared for 24-hour operations assisting stranded motorists as conditions allow. Motorists needing assistance should call 511.
Local roads are typically managed by local governments; drivers should check local conditions before traveling. Georgia DOT asks residents for patience during this period of repeated storms.
Express Lanes operations will be monitored closely with potential closures based on conditions; updates will be provided as necessary.
Georgia DOT encourages drivers to stay informed via 511ga.org or by contacting 511GA for real-time road conditions or assistance requests.
