Georgia snow, ice, freezing temperatures: GDOT treats roads before winter weather hits

Crews with the Georgia Department of Transportation are out pre-treating roads with brine around the clock, trying to stay ahead of the below freezing temperatures over the next few days and the potential road hazards that could bring.

What they’re saying:

“We’re using everything. That means every piece of equipment, every individual that we can get on the road to treat safely, and every material we have,” said Georgia Department of Transportation Spokesperson Natalie Dale.

What we know:

GDOT brine trucks started rolling out at 7 a.m. Sunday, and will likely keep rolling well into the week.

They’re working to keep all 6,000 miles worth of interstate lanes treated, as well as overpasses, bridges and state routes.

Extreme cold weather in Georgia poses challenges

Dig deeper:

Dale says they’re starting now, even before snow and ice are forecast, because of just how low the temperatures will be for the next few days.

“We’re dealing with temperatures that really stretch how effective brine can be. So we’re getting that brine treatment down now when we’re still above 20 degrees to get as much benefit from that as we can,” Dale said.

Dale says when the brine becomes no longer effective, they have other materials ready to go.

“Following with the salt, the rock and when we have icy spots we’ll be using the calcium chloride,” Dale said.

But, she acknowledged that despite their best efforts, the weather may still prove treacherous to drive in.

“That doesn’t mean we stop working throughout the scenario. It means, again, that we’re doing everything we can do,” Dale said.

During the last round of snow and ice on Jan. 9, crews from Middle and South Georgia were able to assist in North Georgia.

But now, with freezing temperatures across the entire state, they won’t have that luxury.

“We’re talking top to bottom winter weather impacts throughout the State of Georgia, and that is something we don’t experience all that often,” Dale said.

GDOT ready for snow, ice, winter storm

Despite the potential strain on their resources, Dale asserts GDOT is ready.

“We have what we need. We have the brine filled, we have salt filled, and we have the crews strategically placed throughout the state,” she said.

Dale says they also have contractors on standby as backup in case they’re needed.

What to do if you see GDOT trucks on the road 

What you can do:

Right now, GDOT is not advising drivers to stay off the roads.

But they are advising drivers to stay back at least a hundred feet from their trucks.

“Steer clear of our vehicles. We are less effective when we have to deal with cars. Certainly, the ones that are tailing or following too closely are impeding the work that our crews are doing because those dumps are loaded with rock and salt. If you are following too closely, it is highly likely you’ll be replacing your windshield,” Dale said.