JESUP – Georgia DOT crews have been traveling state roads in Southeast Georgia throughout the night, according to the district office here.
The office's 10 a.m. report said cres will continue to monitor the state routes and interstates as this winter storm moves across our area. Georgia DOT is urging motorists to stay off of highways as conditions are likely to deteriorate until both the sun and temperatures rise.
The Department advises the public to refrain from all but such necessary travel until midday Wednesday at the earliest. If motorists must travel, be patient with conditions and with one another and be extremely cautious. Slow down considerably, allow extra distance between yourself and other vehicles, maintain a steady speed, avoid lane changing and sudden acceleration or braking and never pass a Georgia DOT contractor or local government truck treating the road. Also avoid driving at night as black ice may form and is nearly impossible to see.
Currently classified as temporarily unpassable is the Houlihan Bridge on State Route 25 at the Georgia/South Caroline line. Crews are monitoring this location.
The following locations are hazardous, icing has been reported and crews are working in these areas:
CHATHAM - US 17/SR 25/SR 404 at Talmadge Bridge; SR 21 at viaduct north of fire station in Port Wentworth; SR 26 at milepost 1.4-2.0 in Thunderbolt; (I-95) at milepost 109.0-111.96
BULLOCH – US 341/SR 73 bridges over Ogeechee River overflow and railway near Screven County; SR 24 bridge over Ogeechee Rive
WHEELER – SR 46 at milepost 0.0 - 0.5; SR 280 at milepost 17.2 - 17.3; SR 441 at milepost 0.0 - 0.8
MONTGOMERY – SR 280 at milepost 0.0 - 0.9
APPLING – SR 4 at milepost 21.1 - 21.2; SR 121 at milepost 26.1 - 26.2
JEFF DAVIS - SR 135 bridge at Jeff Davis/Montgomery line at milepost 24.0 - 24.1
EFFINGHAM – I-95 at milepost 111.96-112.58
TOOMBS – SR 86 bridge over Ohoopee River at milepost 2.00; SR152 bridge over Swift Creek at milepost 1.93; SR152 bridge over Pendelton Creek at milepost 3.93; SR56 bridge over Rocky Creek at milepost 4.84; SR 297 bridge over Swift Creek at milepost 1.66; SR292 bridge over Ohoopee River at milepost 15.46; SR292 bridge over Pendleton Creek at milepost 11.29
TATTNALL – SR 30 bridge over Ohoopee River at mile post 0.26; SR147 bridge over Ohoopee River at mile post 3.73; SR56 Nails Bridge over Ohoopee River at mile post 2.86; SR178 bridge over Ohoopee River at mile post 9.76; SR178 bridge over Ohoopee River at mile post 9.50
Motorists are urged to:
Slow down and stay behind the spreaders. The road behind the spread truck will be the safest place to drive. Allow at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and spreaders.
Do not pass. The spreader trucks are wide, and sometimes a group of trucks will work in tandem to spread salt and gravel quickly, especially on major highways.
Be particularly aware of black ice conditions on surfaces such as bridge decks and entrance and exit ramps late tonight and the early hours of Thursday morning.
Remember that technology helps, but only to a point. Four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and traction control are beneficial advancements in today's cars, trucks and SUVs, but they can't take the place of good driving habits and the need to reduce speed on snowy or icy roads.
You can call 511 for updated information on roads. The free phone service provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide. 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.
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