Jackson County not included in travel advisory
GAINESVILLE — Georgia DOT urges caution tonight and tomorrow morning as winter weather is expected to hit Northeast Georgia.
This is the first regional winter weather event since the State Transportation Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia allowing for travel advisories to be posted on electronic billboards around the metro Atlanta region.
“Our member companies are excited to partner with the Georgia Department of Transportation to alert drivers to needed winter weather traffic info,” OAAG President Ray Moyers said. “Our industry is committed to serving the public through these kinds of relationships.”
The messages will be posted at no charge to the Georgia DOT. There are more than 120 electronic billboards around the Metro Atlanta region, and the messages can be tailored specifically to the area where the sign is located.
The Northeast Georgia counties of Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White will have crews reporting in overnight. All other counties will be on call and will come in overnight if conditions warrant. The first shift will be reporting at midnight.
As the weather system enters their area, the public is strongly encouraged to refrain from all but necessary driving especially before daybreak. If driving is required, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511ga.org for current information on road conditions. Reduced speed, patience and extreme caution are urged at all times. Drivers are advised to stay at least 100 feet behind and to not pass Georgia DOT equipment treating roadways.
ROAD CLOSURES: SR 180 Spur in Towns County was closed Saturday due to snow and will remain closed throughout this winter weather event until temperatures reach above freezing in that area. The top one-third of SR 348/Richard Russell Scenic Parkway in Union and White counties will close this afternoon before precipitation begins to prevent motorists from being caught in hazardous conditions.
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. For information on the Department of Transportation, visit (www.dot.ga.gov); you also may follow Georgia DOT on Facebook and Twitter.
