Texas Department Officials Treating Roads For Expected Ice

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Department of Transportation crews are poised to pre-treat area highways in anticipation of potential icing on roads on Monday.

TxDot officials said crews will begin treating roads with a de-icing agent at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, ahead of storms expected to form Monday evening, officials said. The efforts will center on Interstate 35 before moving onto other major highways in the region, according to a news advisory.

Pre-treating dry roads in advance of a storm deters ice or snow from sticking to the pavement, TxDot officials explained. Work teams and trucks will then be placed on standby, to respond to snow and ice situations, as the need arises, officials added.

Related story: Snow Predicted In Austin On Tuesday

In the meantime, TxDot Austin District officials are working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor weather conditions for any potential winter weather, they said. Motorists are asked to do their part by driving carefully and following these guidelines:

• Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses. These are the first to freeze.
• Reduce speed and drive with caution. A vehicle needs at least three times more space to stop on a slick roadway. Do not apply the brakes suddenly, and avoid using cruise control, so that you can respond better if you encounter slippery roads.
• Slow down when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet when approaching a deicing crews, and do not pass on the right. Visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
• Be patient. Your trip time – including short commutes to work – could increase when adverse weather conditions exist. Also, keep to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts through territory that may not have been plowed.
• Winterize vehicles before traveling during adverse weather. Check fuel, tire, oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure heater, brakes and windshield wipers are working properly.
• Check area weather conditions on radio or television before starting a trip.

For real-time roadway conditions, check DriveTexas.org.

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