TxDOT issues statement strongly discouraging travel due to winter weather

January 30, 2023 at 9:55 am Updated: January 31st, 2023 at 2:22 am Derrick Stuckly

The Texas Department of Transportation issued the following press release at 9:50 a.m. Monday:

The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Brownwood District has treated Interstate-20, most US and State Highways, bridges, and overpasses due to expected wintery precipitation and deterioration of travel conditions today through Wednesday. Crews continue to monitor and retreat roadways.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this winter storm is anticipated to be more significant than original predictions. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing until at least mid-day Wednesday and therefore travel is highly discouraged as conditions may become treacherous.

TxDOT crews remain vigilant and are monitoring roadways and treating as needed, however, at these lower temperatures, travel can be dangerous and is best avoided when possible. If you do not have to travel, please stay home.

Motorists are urged to be on the lookout for slower-moving TxDOT vehicles that are working to address roadways and elevated structures. The Move Over or Slow Down Law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, utility service vehicles, TxDOT vehicles or other highway construction or maintenance vehicles using visual signals or flashing lights activated on the roadside. On roadways with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, drivers must reduce their speed to 5 miles per hour (Texas Transportation Code 545.157).

For motorists that must travel, please stay informed, 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.