Macon-Bibb work crews, Georgia Power teams, and dozens of community partners are working around the clock on recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma. Complete recovery – full power restoration, debris and tree removal, offices and businesses fully open, and more – will take several days, if not more.
For continued updates on Hurricane Irma and shelter operations, follow Macon-Bibb County EMA on Facebook and Twitter, and visit their website, www.MaconBibb.us/EMA.
Roads and Streets
Macon-Bibb County Public Works and Parks & Beautification crews have cleared 209 of 212 blocked streets since 7 p.m. on Monday, September 11. As of Friday afternoon, only three blocked or partially blocked streets remain. There are still roads closed that are NOT on this list because they just involve power lines and poles. Our teams are working until they’re all cleared. If your street has not been cleared, you are asked to report it, as we are only working on the streets that have been reported. It is possible a blockage has not been reported. We’d rather receive the same report twice, than not at all. You can call (478) 832-6300 to make these reports.
Traffic Signals
Our traffic teams have been out everyday working to fix broken or flashing traffic signals at intersections all over the county. As of 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15, the only non-functioning light is at Fort Hill and Emery Highway. That signal is being worked on. Also, the intersection at Ingleside and Corbin Avenues is on flash, but crews are aiming to repair that one today as well.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind all motorists to treat these intersections as a 4-Way Stop. When approaching an intersection where the traffic lights are out or on flash, drivers need to stop before entering the intersection.
Power Restoration
As of noon on Friday, September 15, Georgia Power has restored service to 940,000 customers statewide since Monday evening, September 11. about 5,673 customers in Macon-Bibb still do not have power restored, but service is expected to be restored to 95% of those customers by 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 16. To follow updates for your neighborhood, visit Georgia Power’s Outage Map.
Georgia Power reminds people to never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines; it can kill.
Shelter Update
We’re continuing to support the Red Cross in shelter operations. East Macon Park is still open as a shelter, and evacuees are leaving as they are able. We are in the process of closing our Animal Welfare pet shelter.
Trash & Recycling Collection
Trash and recycling pickup is a day behind this week. (Thursday’s pick up on Friday, Friday’s pick up Saturday.) During debris removal operations, Solid Waste will not be picking up any bulky yard waste on their regular routes because the equipment will be dedicated to debris. Containerized yard waste (leaves and pine straw in trash bags or cans) will be picked up. Do not put branches in trash cans. Please note: The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department reminds all citizens that a burn ban is still in effect, so do not burn your yard waste or debris. Click here for additional details.