Georgia DOT announces no current reports of icing in Northeast Georgia in almost 3 hours, however they advise motorists to avoid travel to or through Atlanta due to ice on the highways there.
All state routes and interstates are open for use — except SR 180 spur in Union County and the highest elevations of SR 348/Richard Russell Scenic Pkwy in White and Union Counties. SR 180 spur and SR 348 will remain closed until temperatures at those extremely high elevations can melt the snow accumulation.
DOT District Engineer for Northeast Georgia Bayne Smith says, “The sun has taken over for us and is removing the last of the slushy mess from the shoulders, medians, turning lanes and bridges. Weather is constantly changing so we will continue to monitor roadway conditions in the Region and respond to icing if it reoccurs. Please continue to be cautious driving and do not travel into Metro Atlanta unless it is an emergency. GDOT has treated the Interstates but there is still icing on the system due to the lower temperatures. If you are traveling on the interstate in Metro Atlanta, we strongly encourage motorists to use stay in the far right lanes and use extreme caution.”
Georgia DOT urges travelers to exercise caution and call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions before getting on the road during a winter weather event. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
