This past Sunday, crews began treating roads around Georgia in preparation for the winter weather that is expected to arrive in the region.
Brine operations are scheduled to begin at eight o’clock on Sunday morning in the northwest region of Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. Extreme cold is expected to arrive in the Peach State overnight and continue into Monday.
This will arrive before the snowstorm that is anticipated to occur on Tuesday, which would further complicate the situation on the roads.
According to a release issued by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), technicians will apply brine solution to state highways, bridges, and overpasses in preparation for winter weather.
“Crews will be prepared to plow, salt, or brine roads as needed,” the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) said of the aftermath of the snowstorm. It is important to note that brine operations may be delayed depending on the specific weather conditions. In order for brine to be successfully applied, the temperature of the road must be at least twenty degrees.
According to Natalie Dale, who works for the Georgia Department of Transportation, personnel are dispersed around the state, and all of the state’s equipment and materials are being utilized.
“We are going to be brining more than 6,000 miles today and tomorrow,” Dale stated. “That’s the equivalent of treating two lanes from New York City to Los Angeles, California.”
During the most recent round of winter weather, the GDOT reported that brine tanks are still full throughout the region. However, they stated that staff would be ready to mix additional solution in the event that they required any additional brine.
The body in charge of transportation is requesting that motorists reduce their speed and give space to the bringing personnel as they pull up beside them. GDOT stated in a second announcement that these vehicles operate at approximately 40 miles per hour in order to apply the brine, and drivers are requested to remain 100 feet behind them.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) warns drivers not to pass a truck that is spreading salt or gravel because the gravel could potentially kick up and damage vehicles that are following too closely.
Additionally, the GDOT reports that the state possesses 31 brine tankers, each of which has a capacity of 5,000 gallons.
“Please, if you have to be on the roads during the next few days, give our men and women of GDOT room to work safely as we pre-treat the roads for the incoming winter weather. We need time, patience and understanding as our dedicated crews work during this multi-day event,” GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry stated.
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