TxDOT pre-treats area roadways in preparation for winter storm
A huge storm system that stretches from southwest Texas up to Chicago and over into Arkansas and Mississippi is expected to continue to bring some rain and possibly snow to the Breckenridge area tonight and into Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The Texas Department of Transportation is reporting that heavy snow accumulations and hazardous driving conditions have shut down highways in Nolan County in the Sweetwater area. TxDOT crews have been pre-treating area roadways to try and lessen the chance of icy roads.
The overnight low for Stephens County tonight is predicted to be 35 degrees, and Friday’s high temperature is expected to reach 49. The NWS forecast shows any snow turning to rain by noon Friday and the skies becoming “mostly sunny” by Friday afternoon.
Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high of 59 degrees.
As TxDOT has been preparing for the cold front by pre-treating major area roadways, motorists are urged to be on the lookout for slower-moving TxDOT vehicles involved in the process. TxDOT continues, as in recent years, to use brine (a solution of water and salt) as a pre-treatment for roadways prior to freezing precipitation. The brine is applied using spray nozzles attached to tanks mounted on the back of TxDOT trucks, forming a milky appearance on the roadway. The brine helps prevent the bonding of frozen precipitation to the pavement, aiding in the removal of snow and ice.
Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and check roadway conditions prior to travel over the weekend. TxDOT reminds motorists to follow these helpful tips when traveling in winter weather:
- Give yourself time to reach your destination and account for possible travel delays. Have patience and share the road with other drivers.
- Drive with caution, reduce speed and increase travel distance between your vehicle and others on the road (at least three times the normal following distance).
- Do not use cruise control.
- If you start to lose control, ease off the gas pedals or brakes. Steer into the direction of a skid until you can regain traction, and then straighten your vehicle.
- And if you don’t have to travel, stay home.
TxDOT roadway conditions statewide are available at DriveTexas.org or by calling 1-800-452-9292. The Brownwood District Twitter feed (@TxDOTBWD) will be updated as road conditions change. Other TxDOT Twitter feeds and the TxDOT Facebook page are also valuable resources for travel conditions across the state. More winter weather travel information is available on the TxDOT website.
Cutline, top photo: Brownwood District TxDOT crews refill tanker trucks with brine solution while treating area roadways last month. (Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation)
