The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is continuing to monitor the newly downgraded Tropical Storm Ian's trajectory and changes to predictions on how the storm will potentially impact the state.
Georgia DOT teams statewide have equipment loaded and crews are on alert. This includes immediate-response strike teams that are ready to respond should the storm turn into a severe weather event anywhere in the state.
As of this morning, in southeast Georgia, the Sidney Lanier Bridge on US 17 over the Brunswick River is currently closed. This is due to the potential of high winds.
The Houlihan Bridge is closed to maritime traffic at this time, but remains open to vehicular traffic. The Talmadge Bridge currently remains open to traffic. Georgia DOT will continue to monitor conditions in the Savannah area and will provide any updates as needed.
Heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and downed trees and power lines are the primary concern for Georgia, particularly along the southeast coast extending northward. Potential threats of inland impacts have greatly diminished, due to the current path of the storm.
To help ease potential congestion along evacuation routes, Georgia DOT halted all projects requiring lane closures along Interstates 16, 75 and 95 south of Atlanta, and all maintenance and utility projects. The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes will remain in the northbound direction throughout Thursday, Sept. 29 until the storm has moved through the area. Georgia's Express Lanes system accepts the Florida SunPass and the North Carolina Quick Pass.
Welcome Centers and Rest Areas in South, Central and Coastal Georgia (Georgia DOT Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5) are on a 24 hour operations schedule until further notice. For a complete listing.
As the storm makes its way through Georgia, crews will begin clean up efforts. This is to ensure roads remain clear for emergency personnel use.
For their safety, Georgia DOT crews monitor weather conditions at all times. They will also stop clean up efforts when sustained winds reach 39 mph. Work will resume once wind speeds die down.
Hurricane Safety Tips
As we prepare for Tropical Storm Ian to move through Georgia, motorists are reminded be cautious of strong winds, flooding, downed power lines and the potential for falling trees.
- Call 511 to report flash flooding, downed trees or other obstructions that impede travel on roadways or bridges
- Do not drive around barricades that are in place for motorist safety or through standing water
- Residents should never clear tree limbs, downed trees or debris from roadways. This is because live power lines could be tangled in debris and can cause injury or death; instead, wait for Georgia DOT and Georgia Power crews
- Motorists who must drive should always treat flashing red and non-operational signals as a four-way stop
For more hurricane safety tips, please visit our hurricane webpage.
For real-time road conditions, call 511 (www.511ga.org). And for weather information, visit the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia (https://www.weather.gov/ffc/).
About Georgia Department of Transportation
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We are involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and it's nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovations, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
