The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Brownwood District has begun winter weather preparations due to a chance of wintery precipitation expected today through Saturday. Crews have been working to pretreat main lanes of Interstate 20, US and state highways, along with some highly traveled farm to market roads throughout the district as a precaution.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), parts of the Big Country have a chance of light rain or snow. TxDOT crews will remain vigilant monitoring roadways and treating as needed.
Motorists are urged to be on the lookout for slower-moving TxDOT vehicles involved in the pretreatment process. TxDOT continues, as in recent years, to use brine (a solution of water and salt) as a pretreatment for roadways prior to freezing precipitation. Brine is applied using spray nozzles attached to tanks mounted on the back of TxDOT trucks, forming a milky appearance on the roadway. Brine helps prevent the bonding of frozen precipitation to the pavement, aiding in the removal of snow and ice.
Those traveling are encouraged to plan ahead and check roadway conditions prior to travel during any inclement weather event. TxDOT reminds motorists to follow these helpful tips when traveling in winter weather:
- Check your vehicle’s tires, windshield wipers, and fluids. Be sure to fill up with gas.
- Always buckle your seatbelt.
- 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).
- Brake and accelerate gently. If you start to lose control, ease off the gas pedals or brakes.
- Do not use cruise control or lane assist.
- And if you don’t have to travel, stay home.
Statewide road conditions and closures are available at DriveTexas.org or by calling 1-800-452-9292. For transportation news and updates in the area, follow the TxDOT Brownwood District on Twitter (@TxDOTBWD). More winter weather travel information is available on the TxDOT website.