GDOT: Storm Response Will Improve

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation says its winter storm response will improve.

The department is trying to address widespread criticism that its road-clearing efforts were inadequate following last week's snow and ice event.

GDOT officials called the efforts of their workers "valiant" but noted several areas that could be improved:

• Increasing the use of private contractors equipment and employees to supplement DOT forces in major event responses.
• Staggering shift changes of response crews so that there is continuous presence of crews on the roadways
• Adding supplemental stockpiles of material (salt and gravel) at strategic locations; and
• Enhancing planning and response coordination with local govements

Despite mobilizing 2,000 employees and hundreds of pieces of equipment, GDOT was overwhelmed by the amount of snow and ice that accumulated in North Georgia and the Metro area.

At first GDOT Commissioner Vance Smith said his department was doing a good job -- a sentiment echoed by new Goveor Nathan Deal. But by the end of the week, with some roads still ice covered, the commissioner changed his tune.

GDOT is talking to northe cities to see how they handle snow removal.

With plows costing up to a $250,000, don't expect the state to go on a buying spree. Instead, it will likely set up a series of contractors who could help out during emergency situations.

Later this week Goveor Deal plans to sit down with the GDOT commissioner and board to map out future winter weather plans.