Driving & Travel

Driving conditions can change quickly on area roads and highways during winter weather events.  While significant snow events are infrequent, Alpharetta does typically see one or two events each winter during which ice forms on bridges, overpasses, and roads.  Because of the infrequency of major ice events, however, most cities in our region cannot justify the expense of purchasing and maintaining materials and equipment to perform the type of multi-phased road de-icing and snow removal programs common to northern communities or that are undertaken by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

This means that residents and motorists must pay attention to warnings and travel advisories and exercise patience in order to avoid putting themselves and others at risk.  By staying off of area roadways when asked or instructed by the City or other governments agencies, you also help us to more quickly remove snow and ice from roadways.

Road Management / Snow And Ice Removal

During snow and ice events, the City of Alpharetta prioritizes roads into three categories for snow and ice treatment and removal.  These are illustrated on the map below.  Category 1 consists of major arterials (typically State roads) that connect Alpharetta to Georgia 400, bridges and overpasses, and also includes our fire stations and public safety facilities.  Category 2 is comprised of traditional trouble spots on more heavily traveled collector roads such as shaded areas along Webb Bridge Road, Kimball Bridge Road, and North Point Parkway.  Finally, Category 3 consists of traditional trouble spots along lesser traveled roads like Parkbridge Parkway, Henderson Parkway, Lake Windward Drive, and Mayfield Road.

For safety and operational reasons, the City does not perform snow and ice management or removal activities inside of neighborhoods.  On-street parking inside of neighborhoods, topography, and the narrower width of neighborhood streets make it extremely difficult, at best, to operate our equipment.  The potential for damage to private property and for needed equipment to become stuck inside of a neighborhood are simply too great.