Georgia DOT on Winter Storm: We're Ready This Time

ATLANTA, GA — Memories of "Snowpocalypse 2014" aren't hard to find in metro Atlanta, as much as some folks would like to forget.

The winter storm that walloped Atlanta that January froze over roads for days and snarled some spots so badly that motorists were stranded overnight trying to make their regular daily commutes back home.

Not this time, say Georgia transportation officials.

With a new winter storm expected to dump upward of four inches of snow on parts of metro Atlanta on Friday, the Georgia Department of Transportation says it's in much better shape to face whatever Mother Nature brings this time.

"Our obligation – and our commitment – is to provide a safe and connected transportation system to the best of our ability at all times of the year," Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry said in a news release. "The last few winter seasons gave us the opportunity to improve our winter weather response, even under the most unexpected conditions.

"As a result, Georgia DOT made a significant investment in technology, additional resources and equipment to bring us to the level of preparedness we are at today."

Since 2014, the transportation department's additional resources include:

• additional brine-making and snow removal equipment
• new salt barns and material storage facilities
• expansion of a statewide Intelligent Transportation System, with a specific focus on adding resources along the Interstate 20 corridor
• expansion of the Roadway Weather and Information System, which allows the DOT to utilize weather sensor data from neighboring states and airports

Department of Transportation crews have been pre-treating all major interstates across middle and north Georgia since Thursday morning. Mainly, they're spreading a brine mixture designed to prevent or limit the buildup of ice.

Statewide, the DOT has 1,900 employees on call with 54,030 tons of salt, 65,460 tons of gravel, 450,000 gallons of brine and more than 380 pieces of snow removal equipment.

Several county and city governments in the metro area similarly invested in more winter-weather equipment after the debacle that was 2014's storm.

With cold and precipitation forecast to come in from the west, the DOT began spreading bring at 9 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 24, Interstate 59, Interstate 75 from the Tennessee state line to Gordon County, Interstate 575 in Cherokee County and its State Route 515 extension into Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin counties.

Crews specifically targeted bridges, ramps, hills, overpasses and other spots more likely to freeze.

Brining in the metro Atlanta district began at 9 p.m. Thursday.

"Even while using the best weather information technology, Mother Nature can surprise us,” McMurry said. "Georgia DOT employees care and we are dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors.

"We hope for the best, but are prepared for the worst.”

Motorists are cautioned to be aware of black ice that may occur whenever there is moisture on the roadway in freezing temperatures. Drivers should also watch for Georgia DOT crews working to clear snow and ice from interstates and state routes.

The department also cautioned drivers not to pass DOT dump trucks spreading the salt-gravel mix, as gravel may kick up and could break car windshields. They are urged to follow those vehicles at least 100 feet behind.

Georgia motorists may call 511 for updated information on road conditions before getting on the road during the weather event. Calls can be transferred to operators to request assistance or report incidents on the road.

Photo courtesy Georgia Department of Transportation