Crews prepare highways as CSRA braces for winter weather — again

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Winter weather could be heading towards the CSRA again, and the Georgia Department of Transportation says they are preparing for it.

GDOT says they are actively preparing and coordinating brine operations, equipment and materials to respond to the pending threat by treating hundreds of interstate and state route lane miles across the state.

Officials with GDOT say, unlike last week’s winter storm, this one has the potential to impact central Georgia′s entire 27-county area.

Because of the large area that could be impacted, G-DOT says treatment plans are being driven by priority.

Prior to the weather system’s arrival, crews will apply brine solutions to interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow.

Brine is a solution of salt and water used to decrease the probability of freezing under certain conditions.

GDOT crews are scheduled to begin brine operations on Sunday at 7 a.m. GDOT maintenance forces will begin by bringing I-20, I-520, and I-16. A GDOT contractor will focus on high-priority, multi-lane state routes.

MORE FROM NEWS 12

CSRA winter weather: A survival guide

1. Protecting your pets during extremely cold weather
2. What can renters do if pipes burst due to winter weather?
3. Don’t get burned by cold-weather home repair scams
4. Local fire crews warn of heating hazards in cold weather
5. How to spot warning signs of frostbite, hypothermia
6. Protecting your most precious plants from winter’s wrath
7. Stay inside if you can during cold snap, experts say
8. Winter weather myths debunked to keep you safe
9. If your pipes freeze or break, follow this advice from experts
10. How to get help with your heating bill in the CSRA
11. What to know if you’ll be driving in subfreezing weather
12. How to protect your heating system during freezing temperatures
13. How to stay warm on a budget and beat the cold weather
14. Trouble from burst pipes can linger well beyond a freeze
15. Keep your pipes from bursting in freezing weather
16. How to prepare your home for major freeze

Officials say their highest priorities are I-20, I-16, and Bobby Jones Expressway, followed by high-priority multi-lane state routes, including US 1, US 25, US 441, and SR 540.

GDOT officials want to remind you:

• Brine operations could be delayed depending on weather conditions. The road temperature must be at least 20 degrees to successfully apply brine. Brine tanks remain full across the district after last week’s winter weather event. However, crews will be prepared to mix more brine solutions as needed.
• Be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 miles per hour to properly apply the treatment.
• Pay attention and stay back at least 100 feet. All drivers in the district are asked to start making plans now to limit travel next week in case winter weather impacts the area.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.