GDOT Gears Up to Brine Metro Roads as Winter Weather Approaches
As winter weather looms, GDOT is preparing to brine roads to ensure safety for commuters in the metro area
Atlanta, Georgia, GDOT, Winter Weather, Snow, Ice
Atlanta: Once again, folks in the metro area are getting ready for another round of snow and freezing temps. It feels like winter is really hitting hard this year.
Melissa Steward, who was out shopping, shared her thoughts. She said, “If we had just snow, I could deal with it. But just to be cold and ice, I don’t like it.” Sounds about right!
The Georgia Department of Transportation is on it. They’re ramping up their brining operation to keep the roads safe. GDOT spokeswoman Natalie Dale mentioned they’re preparing for a worst-case scenario.
They’ll be mixing up a saltwater solution to treat thousands of miles of highways and state routes. This should help prevent those slippery, icy patches that nobody wants to deal with.
Dale explained that they’re treating over 6,000 lane miles, which is like covering a two-lane road from New York to LA. That’s a lot of ground to cover!
Meanwhile, people are stocking up at stores like Kroger and Home Depot. Shopper Jeremy Miller was looking for snowmelt but found none. He said, “We’re trying to get some snowmelt, but nobody’s got any.”
The cold has already impacted his job, too. He works with concrete and mentioned that the plants are frozen, so they can’t get any concrete today. That’s a tough break!
Shane Howell, who runs a business using high-pressure water, is also keeping an eye on the weather. He said his management will decide if it’s safer to stay home if things get too rough.
GDOT is ready to roll with county road crews if the snow starts piling up on Tuesday. Let’s hope everyone stays safe out there!