CSRA (WJBF) – With a winter storm approaching, the Departments of Transportation (DOT) in Georgia and South Carolina are taking proactive steps to ensure road safety. Both states are focused on treating roads with brine and salt to prevent dangerous icy conditions as freezing temperatures, snow, and sleet are expected soon.
What’s Happening in Georgia
In Georgia, the DOT has been working tirelessly to treat high-traffic roads with brine, a saltwater solution that prevents ice from forming. Brine treatment started on Tuesday, January 21, and is being applied across major highways and state routes.
According to a statement from GDOT on January 21:
- Interstate 16, Interstate 20, and Bobby Jones Expressway have already received a second layer of brine.
- All high-priority, multi-lane routes and medium-priority routes have been treated with at least one layer of brine.
- Brine operations will continue until the storm hits, ensuring roads are ready for the challenging conditions.
These treatments are especially crucial for areas with heavy traffic, as icy roads can lead to dangerous accidents. The DOT is also monitoring weather forecasts to adjust their plans if conditions worsen.
South Carolina’s Winter Prep Efforts
In South Carolina, DOT crews are also in full swing, using salt brine to treat the roads. Salt brine lowers the freezing point of water, making it harder for ice to form and stick to the pavement.
The SCDOT stated on Tuesday:
- Interstates and primary routes will be treated first, ensuring the most critical roads are ready.
- Crews will then focus on secondary roads, ensuring broader coverage.
- Once the winter weather starts impacting the state, the DOT will shift from brine spraying to active road monitoring and de-icing.
These measures reflect a focus on reducing accidents and ensuring safer travel during the storm.
Advice for Drivers
Both Georgia and South Carolina DOT officials are urging residents to take precautions:
- Avoid non-essential travel during the storm, as road conditions may quickly become hazardous.
- Stay updated with local weather alerts and government advisories.
- If driving is necessary, prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, water, and snacks.
- Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to reduce the risk of accidents.
Why Brine and Salt Are Essential
Brine and salt treatments are critical tools for managing winter road safety. Brine is sprayed on the pavement before a storm to create a layer that prevents ice from bonding to the road surface. Once the storm begins, salt is added to actively melt ice and snow.
This proactive approach helps reduce the time needed to clear roads during and after a storm, keeping major highways and state routes accessible for emergency services and essential travel.
Community Safety Comes First
State officials emphasize the importance of working together to minimize risks during winter weather. While DOT crews are doing their part to prepare and treat the roads, residents can help by following safety guidelines and staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Checking on elderly neighbors or those with special needs is also encouraged, as power outages and freezing temperatures could pose additional risks for vulnerable populations.
A Coordinated Effort
The DOTs in both states are leveraging their resources to ensure quick and effective action during the storm. This includes monitoring road conditions in real-time, deploying crews where needed, and ensuring all equipment is functioning properly.
This effort reflects lessons learned from previous storms. For example, both states used similar strategies in January 2022, which significantly reduced icy road accidents and improved recovery times after the storm passed.
How to Stay Informed
Residents in Georgia and South Carolina can stay updated by:
- Following their local news outlets for real-time weather updates.
- Checking social media accounts of the GDOT and SCDOT for road condition updates.
- Listening to weather alerts and advisories from the National Weather Service.
Conclusion
With the winter storm approaching, Georgia and South Carolina DOT teams are stepping up to ensure the safety of all residents. Brine and salt treatments, combined with constant road monitoring, are essential steps in preparing for the challenging conditions ahead.
By staying informed, limiting travel, and preparing vehicles with emergency supplies, residents can help ensure their safety and the safety of others during the storm. The coordinated efforts of the DOTs demonstrate a shared commitment to public safety and a proactive approach to managing winter weather challenges.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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Road Safety First: How Georgia and South Carolina DOTs Are Responding to Winter Weather
Road Safety First: How Georgia and South Carolina DOTs Are Responding to Winter Weather
Road Safety First: How Georgia and South Carolina DOTs Are Responding to Winter Weather