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- GDOT won’t close the Savannah Bridge during tropical storms but will issue wind advisories
- Under Condition Yellow GDOT advises high-profile vehicles avoid bridges 65 feet or higher
- Keeping the Savannah River bridge open during hurricanes will help in evacuations
When it came to closing the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge for tropical storms and hurricanes, think of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) as a first-time parent — overcautious and protective.
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That’s changing this hurricane season.
When Georgia state officials spoke with agencies in Florida and South Carolina, they learned those states don’t close their bridges. Instead, they send out wind advisories.
“We looked at other states and what they were doing and noticed that we’re overcautious.” Jill Nagel, district communications officer with GDOT said recently when interviewed about the widening of Interstate 95 in GDOT’s partnership with South Carolina.
Florida’s coastal Brevard County, stretching more than 70 miles on the eastern edge of the state, keeps its bridges open during storms. It’s home to both the John F. Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral — earning it the moniker “Space Coast.”
A social media manager in a September 2024 Brevard County’s Emergency Management Facebook post put a stop to the rumors that they close their causeways for winds. “Causeways remain open, but when strong winds are in the area, staying off roads and causeways is best for your safety.”
That’s the plan for GDOT.
The state’s decision to keep the iconic, cable-stayed Talmadge Bridge (locals call it the Savannah bridge) open during an active tropical storm will help people evacuate, Nagel said, adding that the Sidney Lanier Bridge that connects to Jekyll Island, Ga., will also remain open.
But there is a catch. Driving over the bridge in a so-called “high profile” vehicle could be potentially dangerous. “It’s not the wind that will damage the bridge; it’s navigating a vehicle over the bridges,” that causes harm to cars and their occupants, Nagel said.
The Savannah River bridge is designed to move in high winds.
“Bridges are designed to move, right. If they were stiff, they would break.” Nagel responded when asked about the bridge movement. GDOT says the Savannah River bridge is capable of withstanding 300 mph winds.
A “Science in the City” video produced for the 75th birthday of the Golden Gate Bridge by the San Francisco Exploratorium museum shows how the 4,200-foot long art-deco suspension span in extreme winds is designed to bow horizontally at the center by 27 feet.
What’s considered a high-profile vehicle
The state of Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge Authority only closes its 5-mile suspension bridge connecting the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas to high-profile vehicles during 50-65 mph sustained winds. The authority lists high-profile vehicles as:
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- Semi-tractor trailers
- Recreational vehicles and campers
- Pickup trucks with camper shells or toppers
- Panel trucks and vans
- Vehicles pulling enclosed and open trailers
- Work trucks with equipment mounted to the truck bed such as toolboxes, ladders or other equipment
“I’ve been up there (on the deck) when our guys are inspecting the bridge after a hurricane, and it’s hard to walk. The wind gusts were so strong. So, yes, we want people to be extremely cautious,” Nagel said.
Message boards
When GDOT receives reports of sustained winds from the National Weather Service, the transportation agency will issue wind advisories through social media and news media releases.
The traveling public with be notified of the wind advisories with at the bridge and on surrounding roads leading to it. Signage will also be placed across the border into South Carolina, and digital Interstate 16 message boards leading directly to the bridge will also have the advisory messaging.
Wind advisories and what they mean
Condition Yellow: 30 mph sustained winds: High-profile vehicles will be advised not to use high-span or exposed bridges that are 65 feet tall or higher. The public should use extreme caution if they decide to travel over those bridges.
Condition Red: 40 mph-plus sustained winds: High-span or exposed bridges that are 65 feet or higher are unsafe for public travel. Anyone who drives over bridges against the advisory does so at their own risk.
The National Traffic Safety Institute (NTSI) driving school said drivers who need to go out in strong winds should turn on headlights, hold the wheel tightly, slow down with several other suggestions.
For drivers unsure about driving over such an exposed bridge in high winds, wait it out or find a different route.
“The (Savannah) bridge is safe.” Nagel said. “It’s navigating over the bridge with these winds” that can make it unsafe..
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