Flood of 2009

Sunday, September 20th - Thursday, September 24th

Latest News

Presentation

• 2009 Flood Impact on Georgia DOT Infrastructure

SR 166 Bridge over Annewakee Creek

• Closure of SR 166 bridge over Anneewakee Creek

Releases

• Georgia DOT Announces Work Beginning on New SR 166 Bridge Over Anneewakee Creek 10/21/09
• Atlanta: Georgia DOT Manage Quick Replacement of Three Flood-Damaged Bridges in Sandy Springs and DeKalb 10/8/09

Georgia DOT's Role

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is responsible for providing a safe and sustainable transportation system for all Georgians. In the face of this recent incredible display of nature, GDOT teams, in collaboration with Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Georgia State Patrol, Federal Highway Administration, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Forestry Services, and other state agencies combined their rescue and recovery efforts to mitigate damage caused by the devastating flood.

The Response

• Over 550 GDOT maintenance employees have been dedicated exclusively to flood recovery and storm cleanup.
• 11 bridge inspection teams and 2 dive teams were deployed for underwater inspection, ensuing safety of bridges.
• 8 preliminary damage assessment teams are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• GDOT staff is assisting with local bridge inspections as requested by local governments.
• 7 GDOT media liaisons are working around the state to provide hourly updates on road closures, openings and recovery efforts.
• 511 operators took calls around the clock and rerouted thousands of motorists to safety via alternate state routes.

“This has been an incredible ordeal,” Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. said following three days of torrential rains in metro Atlanta. “So many people have experienced complete devastation by the flood. But in the midst of this terrible storm I saw rays of hope through the hardworking men and women of the Georgia DOT, going above and beyond to ensure the safety of our citizens. We’ve got a dynamic team over here and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone at GDOT.”

The Results

The “100 year rains” that made a dangerous path through metro Atlanta and surrounding counties this week brought flooded interstates and roads and a record number of calls to Georgia DOT’s 511 operators. Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 511 set a new record of 37,154 calls, breaking the previous total of 33,624 set the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2008.

511 Calls Received

* Record number of calls

Additional Details

• 4 major interstates were closed, and by mid-day Wednesday, September 23, 2009, all interstates had been inspected and reopened.
• GDOT crews opened 17 of the 19 bridges that were closed; only two remain closed.
• More than 122 state and local roads were closed; currently only 7 state roads remain closed.
• Georgia DOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. spoke with Vice President Joe Biden during his visit on Friday about statewide roadway conditions.
• Over 6 dozen interviews were given to media outlets around the nation.
• More than 100 media alerts were sent to agencies and news stations statewide.

The dedicated employees of the Georgia Department of Transportation will continue their repair efforts until all state roads and bridges in Georgia are repaired to the standard of excellence Georgians expect.