Icy conditions close lanes on I-16 in Laurens County, block lane on SR 22 in Jones County
GDOT reports all eastbound lanes closed on I-16 before SR 26 and lane blockage on SR 22 at Altman Road
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Georgia Department of Transportation reported icy conditions impacting roadways in parts of Middle Georgia late Saturday.
GDOT said all eastbound lanes of Interstate 16 in Laurens County are closed due to icy patches before State Route 26. The anticipated end time for the closure is 11:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.
In Jones County, GDOT reported icy patches on State Route 22 at Altman Road. The right lane is blocked in both directions.
Drivers are urged to use caution and seek alternate routes where possible as crews respond to the icy conditions.
Baldwin EMA: Black ice creating hazardous driving conditions across Baldwin County
Baldwin County Emergency Management officials are warning drivers to stay off the roads as freezing temperatures create dangerous conditions across the area.
According to Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency, temperatures dropping after sunset are causing black ice to form on roadways. Black ice is especially difficult to see and can develop quickly on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas and elevated roads.
Officials said that not every affected roadway may be identified and warned that any road could be hazardous until temperatures rise above freezing.
Emergency officials are urging residents to limit travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
For those who must drive, EMA officials recommend slowing down, allowing extra travel time, increasing following distance and avoiding sudden braking, acceleration or sharp turns. Drivers are also advised to use headlights, stay alert for changing road conditions, use extra caution on bridges and overpasses, and avoid using cruise control on icy or wet roads.
Authorities say they are already seeing accumulations on several roadways, including:
- Highway 22 East (Sparta Highway) toward Sparta
- Highway 24 East
- Linton Road
- Deepstep Road
- Garrett Way
- Highway 22 West near the Jet Food Store
- Horace Veal Road
- State Dairy Road
- Marshall Road at Hudson
- Marshall Road at Log Cabin
- Dunlap Road
- Wayne Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Officials are reminding residents that staying off the roads helps protect not only drivers but also first responders who may be called to assist with crashes or emergencies.
EMA officials said they will continue monitoring conditions and will provide updates as they become available. Residents are encouraged to remain at home if possible and use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.
Road issues reported in Washington County as crews
Washington County EMA officials are warning drivers to use caution as road conditions begin to deteriorate across Washington County.
SR 15 at SR 24/Sandersville Byp in Washington County (PHOTO: GDOT)
According to Washington County Emergency Management Agency, reports of hazardous road conditions are starting to come in as temperatures drop and icy roads impact the area.
Officials say drivers should be especially cautious in the following locations:
- Fall Line Freeway in Sandersville toward Baldwin County
- Highway 15 North, where a Georgia Department of Transportation crew is on site
- Highway 24 East toward Davisboro
- Tennille–Oconee Road
- Georgia Highway 242
In the City of Sandersville, road crews are actively working problem areas along East McCarty Street and Smith Street, according to officials.