Winter weather prep: GDOT to treat hundreds of lane miles in Middle Georgia

With winter weather potentially impacting our region next week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is gearing up to treat hundreds of interstate and state route lane miles across 31 counties in the West-Central Georgia Region.

THOMASTON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With winter weather potentially impacting our region next week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is gearing up to treat hundreds of interstate and state route lane miles across 31 counties in the West-Central Georgia Region.

Starting Sunday at 7 a.m., GDOT crews will apply brine solution to interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow, GDOT said in a news release on Saturday.

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

The agency’s top priority will be treating I-75, I-85, I-185 and I-16, with crews working 12-hour shifts around the clock.

“Unlike last week’s winter storm, this one has the potential to impact District 3’s entire 31-county area,” the release stated. “Because of the large area that could be impacted, treatment plans are being driven by priority. Our highest priorities are I-75, I-85, I-185 and I-16. Please note our plans are based on current weather reports and are subject to change. Our goal is to brine as many state route lane miles as possible before the event begins.”

GDOT say drivers should exercise extreme caution and give crews room to work. Brine trucks will travel at 40 mph, and drivers are asked to stay back at least 100 feet.

“Crews will be prepared to plow, salt, or brine roads as needed,” the release stated. “Please note, brine operations could be delayed depending on weather conditions. The road temperature must be at least 20 degrees to successfully apply brine.”