Southeast Georgia state highways have been cleared of fallen trees and debris from Hurricane Helene's aftermath.
Following Hurricane Helene, 29 state routes in Southeast Georgia were closed. However, Georgia DOT's dedicated crews, working tirelessly, managed to clear roadways by pushing debris to the shoulders, making them passable for motorists.
Some debris removal was hindered by powerlines wrapped up in the trees, which the utility company had to deem safe. However, due to the massive amount of debris, Georgia DOT's crews are not alone in this effort. Contractors are assisting them with debris pickup.
The hurricane also battered traffic signals, and, at some intersections, a loop of wiring is all that remains intact. They are striving to replace damaged signals before power is restored at most intersections, showing a strong determination to restore normalcy. To reach that goal, they are assisted by a contractor and Georgia DOT technicians from other areas of the state.
Significant roadway damage occurred during the hurricane on US 341 at milepost 17 between Lumber City and McRea-Helena in Telfair County. Traffic on this four-lane divided highway has been directed to a single lane in each direction. Southeast district department heads are in the process of getting the roadway repaired.
For real-time road conditions anywhere in the state, call 511 or click on (www.511ga.org).
A few safety reminders as the post-Helene recovery marathon continues:
- Drivers failing to stop at "dark" (without power) signalized intersections continues to be an issue. Treat these intersections like a four-way stop. The same rule applies if a signal is flashing red.
- Please give Georgia DOT crews space to work safely. If possible, move over a lane. Vehicles clearing roads will make frequent stops so don't tailgate. For the safety of signal technicians working in bucket trucks, slow down as you approach and don't crowd the trucks.
- Drive alert! There are many "leaners and hangers" on road shoulders – trees that are leaning over lanes and trees that would have fallen onto the road if they weren't hanging on something. Work is underway to identify those locations on state route rights of way so they can be cleared.
