TxDOT READY TO RESPOND TO WINTER WEATHER
LUBBOCK – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Lubbock District’s 18 maintenance sections, crew members, vehicles and equipment are ready to respond to much colder temperatures and a wintry mix of rain, ice and snow expected to impact the South Plains this week.
TxDOT maintenance crews will work around the clock to monitor and respond to winter weather—salting bridges and overpasses and other critical areas including main intersections, curves and canyon area upgrades and downgrades as needed to keep roads in the best conditions possible.
“The safety of the traveling public is TxDOT’s priority, and we respond to snow and ice situations as quickly as possible,” said Lubbock District Engineer Doug Eichorst. “Freezing rain and freezing temperatures create the biggest challenge for crews. Even the smallest amount of frozen precipitation can cause the most hazardous driving conditions. While we try our best to keep bridges and overpasses from freezing, as long as temps remaining below freezing, it’s safe to assume any icy spots on roads and bridges will remain icy until the temperature get above 32 degrees and warmer.”
TxDOT also reminds homeowners and businesses to turn off their sprinkler systems to prevent water runoff from freezing on frontage and local roads.
Motorists should avoid traveling in winter conditions, but if they must, they should observe these winter safety tips:
- 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.
More winter weather safety information can be found at www.txdot.gov – key word: winter driving. Road conditions and traffic updates available on Facebook, www.facebook.com/txdot and Twitter, www.twitter.com/txdot. Road conditions also will be updated frequently on TxDOT’s road condition web page at www.drivetexas.org.
Motorists also can call TxDOT’s toll-free highway condition line at 800-452-9292 for roadway information. For non-emergency roadside assistance, motorists can call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 800-525-5555.
