Icy Roads, Wrecks Hamper Commute

ATLANTA - Expect at least one more day of treacherous conditions out there on Georgia's roadways.

The ice that started melting Wednesday refroze during the evening hours, making Thursday moing's commute a challenge. 

While the interstates are passable, there are still patches of black ice on the roadways. Some exit ramps and entrance ramps remain closed.

Bridges and overpasses are especially plagued with ice. Many major roads in several counties also remain covered in ice. Authorities urge caution if you must drive.

Interstate 285 at Cascade Road was the scene of two accidents early Thursday moing. Crews had just cleaned up the first wreck when shortly after the second wreck occured. And a wreck at Interstate 85 just south of the Pleasantdale Road overchange had several lanes blocked for a short time.

GDOT crews continue to work around the clock to clear the icy roads. Officials said Wednesday that the clean-up is costing Georgia $2 million a day.

Motorists are urged to:  

• Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. The road behind the plow will be the safest place to drive. Allow at least ten car lengths between your vehicle and snowplows or hopper spreaders.
• Do not pass. The plows are wide, and sometimes a group of trucks will work in tandem to clear snow 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 tomorrow moing.
• 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.

Call 511 or visit www.georgia-navigator.com to get current information on road conditions.

Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. 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 .