Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: Roadway Conditions Deteriorating

RICHMOND COUNTY, GA — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) has issued a public safety alert warning residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, as roadway conditions continue to deteriorate due to freezing temperatures and winter weather. Officials report that with temperatures expected to drop to 17° overnight, icy conditions are already forming and will worsen through the evening, creating dangerous hazards for motorists.

Deputies have already responded to multiple incidents across the county. Several vehicles have slid into ditches along Deans Bridge Road at Church Street, while slush and ice have been reported on Highway 1 and Highway 25 near the county line. Traffic issues are developing quickly and are expected to increase as temperatures continue to fall. Preparations are underway to close John C. Calhoun Road, and officials strongly advise drivers to avoid most bridges and overpasses, which are prone to freezing first. Additional crashes have been reported at Wheeler Road and Bobby Jones Expressway, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The Sheriff’s Office has mobilized deputies to monitor roadway conditions and respond to emergencies. However, with multiple incidents occurring simultaneously, resources are stretched thin. To ease the burden on emergency responders, single‑vehicle crashes, property damage without injury, and similar non‑emergency incidents may be handled by deputies over the phone or reported online through the Sheriff’s Office website.

Residents are encouraged to report roadway hazards or conditions requiring immediate attention by contacting 311. For real‑time updates, the Sheriff’s Office recommends downloading the MySheriff App, which provides the latest alerts and information directly to the community.

Officials emphasize that staying off the roads not only protects drivers but also ensures that emergency responders can reach those in critical need without delay. Even experienced drivers are at risk when ice and slush cover the roadways, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and rural routes. With temperatures dropping rapidly, conditions are expected to worsen overnight. Black ice, which is nearly invisible to drivers, poses a significant threat and has already contributed to several accidents.

In a public statement, the Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for community cooperation: “Please stay safe and thank you for your cooperation.”

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