SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - With winter weather expected this week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is already working to keep the roads cleared.
Workers started a pre-treatment process Sunday, according to GDOT Strategic Communications Director Jill Nagel.
"We've applied a brine. It's a saltwater solution, and it helps to keep ice from adhering to the roadway at a lower temperature than 32 degrees," said Nagel.
The solution has already been applied to I-95, I-16 and I-516.
GDOT workers are now moving into larger heavy traffic areas like four-lane roadways and state routes that lead to hospitals.
"We want to make sure any emergency vehicles that need to get through during the storm can," said Nagel.
GDOT is advising if you need to use the roads during severe weather, stay at least 100 feet away from salt trucks.
"That gives our crews ample space to do what they're doing to make the roads safer for everyone," said Nagel.
Officials say that because crews will be treating areas as conditions worsen, they are advising drivers to stay home if possible.
"It gives us an opportunity to continue to work on the roadway," Nagel said, "because once we are dealing with snow and ice, we will be putting out salt and gravel to break up that ice."
While rarely used in the southeastern part of Georgia, snowplows are also ready to clear roads. The state has 401 snowplows, and 14 designated for our area.
"The department has snowplows that are dump trucks that we install the snowplows on to," Nagel explained. "So, they are not just sitting there year-round. It is equipment that we use every day that we add an addition on to in such things as snowplows."
GDOT also advises that bad ice on the roads can cause downed trees. Should that happen, GDOT says you should not try to remove those trees because they could get caught in the power lines and instead, call 911.
Tips for drivers in winter weather conditions:
- Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Stay off the roads during wintry conditions to reduce risks.
- Keep a safe distance. Maintain at least 100 feet behind brine trucks and snowplows.
- Drive cautiously. Reduce your speed, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Include blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a fully charged phone.
- Check your vehicle. Ensure your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good condition.
- Stay informed. Monitor local weather updates and road conditions before traveling.
GDOT has already treated over 6,000 miles of road, which officials say is enough roadway distance to take you between New York City and Los Angeles.