Snow storm leaves some icy roads, hazards across Columbus
A snow storm that swept through the Chattahoochee Valley left icy conditions and some roads closed in Columbus, officials said late Wednesday.
“We still expect some icing conditions in the morning,” said Don Osborne, deputy director of Public Works for the Columbus Consolidated Government. “Some of the stuff that melted will refreeze overnight. We are continuing to sand and brine areas as we are identifying them.”
While area schools and many offices were closed, police said the storm caused 69 crashes, nine injuries and 280 storm related calls for help during the day. By 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said some major roads remained closed due to icy conditions.
They included the eastbound lanes of J.R. Allen Parkway at Second Avenue, Countyline Road , Whitesville Road at Airport Thruway, Beaver Run Road at Flat Rock Road, Manchester Expressway and Armour Road to Interstate 185, Williams Road at Fortson Road and 13th Street Bridge.
Dangerous conditions with black ice were expected as temperature plunged below freezing overnight.
Osborne said 40 to 50 city workers focused on more than 80 locations during the day to keep roads safe. “We are monitoring areas and we are really concerned about refreezing,” he said.
According to advisories from police and the Georgia Department of Transportation, Osborne noted that there are still dangerous areas in the city. Crews will continue working through the night if needed, he said.
Calls were coming in from throughout the city. One of the biggest concerns is vehicles losing traction on the icy hills. “It seems the majority of our responses has been on areas of elevation like hills and things like that,” he said.
Work crews made it through the day with no injuries to personnel or damage to equipment. “Safety is a priority for us,” he said. “We can’t serve if we can’t take care of ourselves.”
Ben Wright: 706-571-8576, @bfwright87
This story was originally published January 18, 2018 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Snow storm leaves some icy roads, hazards across Columbus."