Georgia DOT Workers Cleaning Up Storm Damage

Most of us were out Tea Partying yesterday so missed SOME of the news... rec'd this yesterday but thought some might be interested:

Georgia Department of Transportation work crews are deployed across the state clearing roads and accessing damages related to storms that soaked South Georgia over the past two weeks and tore through metro Atlanta and North Georgia in recent days.

“Whether they are cutting and clearing trees in Rome or inspecting bridges in Tift County, our employees are working diligently to ensure the state’s transportation infrastructure is safe for the traveling public,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Gerald Ross.

Last week Governor Sonny Perdue requested federal aid for severe flood damages in 33 Georgia counties. Twelve state routes and more than 800 local roads were damaged. Two state routes remain closed due to water overflowing the road: SR 200 in Baker County and SR 65 in Mitchell County.

Flooding surpassed records set in 1948 and some set in 1929 for several rivers in South Georgia. The Satilla River near Waycross reached its highest flow in 73 years and Georgia DOT crews reported up to six feet of water over US 84 near the Withlacoochee River outside Quitman.

Since the first storms swept through South Georgia at the end of March nearly 750 Georgia DOT employees including maintenance crews, engineers and bridge inspectors have worked more than 30,000 hours using 640 pieces of equipment.

The Georgia DOT is providing local assistance through equipment and operators to rebuild dirt roads and repair road shoulders that were washed out from the flooding waters. Additionally, state bridge inspectors will access hundreds of county and city bridges and other structures to ensure they were not damaged. Department staff is also helping local governments assess damage to their streets and roads to assist them in qualifying for federal disaster assistance.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---