Georgia DOT announces winter preparation steps learned from recent weather woes

Georgia DOT plow:salt trucksThe Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced new steps for handling winter weather in a state not usually impacted by ice and snow.

“The last two winter seasons have taught us some very important lessons and we have listened. As a result, we have made significant investment in technology, additional resources and equipment for the upcoming year and the future,” says GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry.

The agency has added several methods including monitoring devices and deployment services, including:

  •  Additional brine making and snow removal equipment
  •  Construction of additional salt barns and material storage facilities
  •  Expansion of statewide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) features with a specific focus on additional resources along the I-20 corridor
  •  Expansion of the Roadway Weather and Information System (RWIS), which allows the department to utilize additional weather sensor data from neighboring states and general aviation airports.

GDOT also has designated teams for various functions, such as 10 brine distribution teams, 18 metro-Atlanta interstate teams for operating snow plows and material spreaders, special response teams for specific “hot spot” problem areas to work those areas as needed and “traffic strike teams” made up of other state agencies in addition to GDOT staff to work on clearing traffic incidents in the Atlanta area.

“Even while using the best weather information technology, Mother Nature can throw you a curve ball,” McMurry adds. “Our employees are dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure the safety of our citizens. When the unexpected happens, we are prepared and ready.”