Savannah Area Bridges, Roads Shut Down Amid Winter Storm

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A winter storm sweeping through the Savannah area has forced the closure of multiple bridges and roads, including the Thunderbolt Bridge, Lazaretto Creek Bridge, and Islands Expressway, as ice and snow made travel hazardous Wednesday night.

The Thunderbolt Bridge has been closed since 9 p.m. due to icy conditions, according to the Chatham Emergency Operations Center. Local authorities made the decision to shut down the bridge after ice formed, rendering it impassable. “We will see more ice and snow that may make roads and bridges impassable,” officials warned.

Captain Brandon Runyon of the Thunderbolt Police Department described the conditions as “very, very slick.” He recounted his experience driving in similar conditions in 2018, stating, “I had the vehicle in four-wheel drive, going maybe five to eight miles an hour.” Runyon advised residents to avoid driving if possible, emphasizing the risks to both drivers and others on the road.

Catherine Glasby, Chatham County Public Information Officer, noted that bridges are particularly vulnerable to icing. “Remember, the bridges will ice first,” she said. “GDOT has brined many bridges, but we will still see some closures.” Runyon estimated that the Thunderbolt Bridge would remain closed until morning, pending resalting by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

While GDOT initially stated it did not plan to close bridges, local municipalities retain the authority to make closures based on safety assessments. “Our local law enforcement monitors our roads and bridges,” Glasby explained. “If they feel that they are unsafe for travel due to the conditions, they will close them until those conditions improve.”

Accidents have already been reported in Savannah, with hazardous conditions worsening after sunset. Runyon urged caution, saying, “If I had the opportunity, I wouldn’t be driving in it right now. It’s about staying off the road, and it’s not only about the safety of you, but the safety of others.”

Other closures include the Talmadge Bridge, Highway 17 in Bryan County, and the flyovers at I-95 and I-16. A jackknifed tractor-trailer has also shut down I-95 southbound at I-16, with no estimated time for reopening. Highway 144 to Fort Stewart is also closed.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. WJCL 22 News is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.