TIFTON — Georgia Department of Transportation contractors will open all Interstate 75 northbound lanes, sweeping the shoulders and checking storm drains in early preparations for potential impact of Hurricane Irma.

Although the track of the hurricane and its impact on this area of the state were unknown as of Wednesday afternoon, Georgia DOT is making preparations for potential increased traffic due to evacuations and possible heavy rainfall and/or storm damage.

If needed, department personnel from other areas of the state are prepared to mobilize in Tifton, according to a DOT press release.

Tuesday night contractor Reames and Son Construction Company Inc. moved a concrete barrier near I-75 northbound Exit 29/Hahira to open the inside (left) lane to traffic. A crane has already been positioned in the median. It will remain, but the barricade will be moved to block only the inside northbound shoulder.

Reames recently installed concrete barriers to block the inside north and south lanes and shoulders to reconstruct the interchange. The southbound inside lane will remain closed approaching the interchange. Installation of similar barriers at Exit 22/North Valdosta Road, which is also being reconstructed, will be delayed until after the storm threat has passed, according to the DOT.

A Georgia DOT contractor began sweeping the shoulders of I-75 Tuesday night. The removal of debris will ensure emergency lanes remain open to drivers and help prevent the blockage of storm drains. Personnel will also be checking drains to make sure they are clear of debris.

Should Florida order evacuations, motorists are reminded there are multiple evacuation routes in Southwest Georgia other than I-75. From Florida, those include U.S. 19, U.S. 27 and U.S. 129, according to the DOT.

Evacuation routes are marked on state maps and are available at http://www.dot.ga.gov/DS/Emergency/Hurricane.