As the recent extreme cold gripped Atlanta, residents faced not only freezing temperatures but also a series of challenges, including burst pipes and hazardous road conditions.
The plummeting temperatures not only caused infrastructure problems but also left roads in perilous conditions, resulting in multiple collisions. One notable incident occurred at the intersection of Joseph E. Lowery near Rock Street in northwest Atlanta. A concealed ice hazard, believed to be caused by a water main or fire hydrant break, led to a collision between a car and a MARTA bus.
The challenges brought by the extreme cold prompted reflections on Atlanta’s historical encounters with severe winter weather. In February, the city will mark the 10-year anniversary of “Snowmageddon,” a notorious transit meltdown in 2014. The two-inch snowfall paralyzed the city, stranding cars on the interstate and causing massive traffic jams.
The debacle became a national joke, even inspiring a mocking skit on “Saturday Night Live.”
Natalie Dale from GDOT acknowledged the impact of Snowmageddon and emphasized the lessons learned from that event. She highlighted the state’s increased preparation, including the storage of almost 2 million gallons of brine for pretreating roads. GDOT districts now have the capability to produce their own brine if needed.
The Winter Weather Task Force, established after Snowmageddon, played a crucial role in enhancing emergency response capabilities. Dale explained that the state collaborates with other states to share best practices and materials for handling severe winter weather. GDOT conducts dry runs throughout the year, ensuring that supplies like salt, calcium chloride, and brine are at optimal levels as winter approaches.
While Snowmageddon was a painful experience for Atlanta, the hope is that the city won’t have to endure a similar situation again. The improvements and preparations made by GDOT aim to make future encounters with severe winter weather more manageable for residents and authorities alike.
We here at Humphrey & Ballard wish everyone to be safe, drive slow, do not drive impaired or distracted.
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