GDOT urges patience as crews work to make roads passable

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is asking for patience as crews work "around the clock" to clear icy roads and restore safe travel conditions following Tuesday’s rare winter storm.

ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is asking for patience as crews work “around the clock” to clear icy roads and restore safe travel conditions following Tuesday’s rare winter storm.

According to a GDOT news release, hazardous road conditions continue statewide, and GDOT is urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

“This is a highly unusual winter weather event impacting nearly three-quarters of the state, and our crews cannot be everywhere at once,” GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry said in a statement. “Georgia DOT will need time, the ability to access roads, and warmer temperatures working in our favor to help restore and maintain passable conditions. We thank Georgia’s citizens for staying off the roads and for your patience and understanding while our crews are working around the clock.”

Early Wednesday, several Middle Georgia roads remained impassable, including interstates. In Monroe County, motorists were stranded about 12 hours on I-75 north, but traffic began flowing again just before 11 a.m.

According to GDOT, crews have already applied 1.7 million gallons of brine to roads, but subfreezing temperatures have limited its effectiveness. Crews are now using salt and calcium chloride and have deployed 448 snowplows to combat the ice. Interstate crashes, including tractor-trailer incidents on I-75 south of Atlanta and I-95 near Savannah, have made the challenges more difficult, creating major backups.

GDOT says fewer vehicles on the roads allow crews to work more effectively.

The agency also warns of black ice, which could refreeze overnight and remain a danger even after daytime melting.

Residents are encouraged to check road conditions via GDOT’s free 511GA app or website before traveling. GDOT also advises drivers to stay back at least 100 feet from snowplows and not to pass trucks spreading salt or gravel.

Transit services across the state, including the Macon-Bibb Transit Authority, have been disrupted, with many operators canceling or delaying service. Georgia Express Lanes remain closed until conditions improve.