ATLANTA, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is issuing a warning for drivers in northeast Texas that a wintry mix of weather could impact traffic Sunday evening overnight and into Monday morning.
Atlanta district crews for TXDOT will be pre-treating roads for the next two days to prepare for the storm. Temperatures are expected to drop near freezing or below, and icy weather could cause problems in areas for Monday morning drivers.
The crews will be working throughout the Jan. 8-10 weekend and plan to continue de-icing and treating roadways overnight Sunday to reduce the impacts of freezing and refreezing. Drivers are still urged to use extreme caution because of the potential for black ice, which appears as dry pavement. Ice on bridges and overpasses will continue to be a concern in impacted areas. Drivers need to be advised that bridges ice quicker in colder weather than regular parts of roadways and highways.
TXDOT is urging drivers to follow the following precautions:
- Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. Do not use cruise control.
- Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.
- Watch carefully 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.
Drivers can obtain the latest travel information by checking out drivetexas.org or calling 800-452-9292. Road conditions and traffic updates can be found on Facebook, www.facebook.com/txdot and Twitter, www.twitter.com/txdot.
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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, we deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods.