Arctic cold front brings potential for frozen precipitation late Monday and Tuesday across much of Texas
Brownwood News – Frigid temperatures are forecasted to affect much of Texas beginning late Monday, with the National Weather Service predicting a possibility of light freezing precipitation Monday night into Tuesday. In preparation for this event, crews with the Texas Department of Transportation’s Brownwood District are pretreating and monitoring state roadways in the district’s nine counties.
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Motorists are urged to be on the lookout throughout for slower-moving TxDOT vehicles involved in the pretreatment process as a brine solution is applied to roadways.
TxDOT has extensively used brine, a solution of water and salt, in recent years as an effective pretreatment 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 to prevent the bonding of frozen precipitation to the pavement, aiding in the removal of snow and ice.
Throughout the winter weather event, TxDOT crews will be vigilant in monitoring and treating affected roadways as needed with deicing materials such as sand or salt.
Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and check roadway conditions prior to travel beginning Monday evening.
TxDOT reminds drivers that posted speed limits may not necessarily be safe speeds during inclement weather, even on treated roadways. All motorists are advised to reduce speeds and increase following distances on roads that have been impacted by precipitation. Extra caution is advised on bridges and overpasses, as these structures are usually the first to freeze over.
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.