GDOT commissioner details hurricane response, estimates about $200 million in storm damage and outlines repair priorities

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurray told the House Transportation Committee that state crews and contractors responded to widespread damage from recent storms and hurricanes, deployed inspection teams, and are using amended FY25 funds to accelerate repairs and maintenance.

McMurray said the state prepositioned crews for Hurricane Debbie, redeployed them as the storm’s path changed, and then faced a more severe impact from Hurricane Helene. "It is time to start working on the five-year federal transportation bill, which expires in September of 2026," he said, adding his view of federal leadership: "deliver, deliver, deliver." He described GDOT operations during the storms as "all hands on deck," noting coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, power companies and other state agencies.

McMurray gave site-specific examples of rapid repair work: a box culvert washout on State Route 169 in Tattnall County was designed in seven days and had the first pile driven within 13 days; the bridge replacement was completed in about two months, he said. He cited a cost of about $3.4 million to replace that bridge.

On Hurricane Debbie, McMurray said nine inspection teams assessed bridges across the state once waters receded and estimated about $7 million in infrastructure damage in the areas affected by Debbie. He said the department closed and repaired several…