In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is preparing for the impact the hurricane will have on the state.
According to a press release from GDOT, the effects from the hurricane will be felt Thursday morning, and can last through Saturday. Citizens should expect winds up to 34 mph and above, rain, downed trees, and downed powerlines.
To help ease congestion along evacuation routes, GDOT is halting all projects that require lane closures along I-16, I-75, and I-95 south of Atlanta, as well as all maintenance and utility projects starting Wednesday. The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes will stay in the northbound direction starting Wednesday until the storm has moved through the area. Georgia’s express lanes system accepts the Florida SunPass and North Carolina Quick Pass. Welcome Centers and Rest Areas in South, Central, and Coastal Georgia will begin 24 hour operations on Wednesday as well.
Crews will begin clean up efforts to make sure roads stay clear for emergency personnel as the storm is passing through Georgia. If winds reach up to 39 mph, GDOT crews will stop clean up efforts for safety reasons, and will resume when speeds die down.
The National Hurricane Center expects Hurricane Ian to cause a life-threatening storm surge through Friday in Georgia, along with the coast of Florida and the Carolinas.
Stay safe out there.
-----------------------------------
Source: GDOT, National Hurricane Center
