TxDOT Prepares For Winter

TxDOT Prepares for Winter Weather Sunday Night

Roads treated; Drivers encouraged to exercise caution, remain informed

ATLANTA ─ The Texas Department of Transportation is issuing a warning to drivers in northeast Texas to prepare for a wintry mix that could impact traffic Sunday evening and Monday morning. Crews in the Atlanta District will be pre-treating roads for the next two days in preparation for the storm. With temperatures expected to drop near freezing or below, icy weather could cause problems in areas for Monday morning commuters.

TxDOT crews will be working throughout the weekend and plan to continue de-icing and treating roads overnight Sunday to reduce the impacts of freezing and refreezing. Despite this work, we urge drivers to use extreme caution because of black ice potential, which appears as dry pavement. Ice on bridges and overpasses will continue to be a concern in the impacted areas.

Drivers need to follow these precautions:

• Reduce speed. We base speed limits on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. Do not use cruise control.
• Maintain at least three times the average following distance on snow or ice.
• Observe for personnel and equipment treating roadways and stay at least 200 feet back from road crews.
• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
• Carry extra warm coats, gloves, and boots in case you get stranded.
• If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction, and then straighten your vehicle.

Motorists can obtain travel information by visiting drivetexas.org or calling (800) 452-9292. Road conditions and traffic updates are available on Facebook, www.facebook.com/txdot, and Twitter, www.twitter.com/txdot.