TxDOT says it’s ready for winter ahead of this year’s 1st freeze
EL PASO, Texas -- On Tuesday, the Texas Dept. of Transportation showcased their winter-ready vehicles that are used prior to winter storms in the Borderland region. Presentations of their dump trucks equipped with snow plows, as well as their brine application tanker trucks show the organization is ready for winter tis year.
Lauren Macias-Cervantes, a spokesperson for TxDOT, noted: "We haven't had our first freeze, and it's not even the first day of winter, but our maintenance crews are ready for the potential of any ice or snow that might come our way this season."
The process of keeping the roads safe prior to a winter storm has multiple steps. First, in advance of a storm, TxDOT coats the ground with a salt and water mixture called brine.
"One of those things that drivers are familiar with are our brine applicators which are our big tanker trucks that come ahead before any storm. Those are our trucks that pre-treat our roadways with brine, which is a salt/water mixture," said Macias-Cervantes.
If additional ice or snow occurs during the storm, a sand and salt mixture will be released on to the ground. This mixture could potentially damage your vehicle.
"That is spread very rapidly through the back of our dump trucks. So it's very important that people give the vehicles and our crews the space because that could damage vehicles," Macias-Cervantes added.
She shared that TxDOT has experienced multiple occurrences of cars getting in between the tanker trucks and other TxDOT vehicles. She asked the public to avoid doing this, as it is dangerous, and to please have patience, as TxDOT drivers do drive a bit slower than other cars.
Finally, she ended off by sharing tips that the public should follow when a winter storm moves through the area.
"During the storm, people should definitely travel slower. Don't follow too closely, and be aware of weather conditions. And again if you don't need to travel, then go ahead and stay home during the storm."
