San Antonio Gears Up: TxDOT Crews Battle Freezing Rain with Brine and Vigilance
San Antonio is preparing for winter’s harsh impact. Freezing rain threatened area roads. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) mobilized its crews. They worked around the clock. Their mission was to keep highways safe. This news is top trending in Texas.
Extensive Preparations Underway
TxDOT crews started preparations days before the storm. They began applying brine. This is a saltwater mixture. It prevents ice from bonding to pavement. Crews worked 12-hour shifts. They maintained 24-hour operations. Approximately 800,000 gallons of brine were ready. This massive supply aimed to combat ice accumulation.
Prioritizing Critical Roadways
TxDOT focused on specific areas. Bridges and overpasses were top priorities. Flyover ramps also received attention. These elevated structures freeze first. They become particularly dangerous. A new flyover ramp at Loop 1604 and I-10 was a concern. It had never experienced freezing conditions before.
Collaboration and Monitoring
An emergency operations team activated. It operated from the Transguide command center. This center served as a central information hub. Crews reported road conditions in real-time. This allowed for directed resource deployment. TxDOT also worked closely with law enforcement. They coordinated decisions on road closures. Officials tracked the forecast closely. They partnered with other state agencies.
Official Advisories and Warnings
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones urged caution. She advised residents to stay home if possible. This minimized travel for safety reasons. For essential travel, drivers needed extra time. They were told to drive slower. They also needed to watch for icy conditions. The National Weather Service issued warnings. A Winter Storm Warning covered San Antonio. Ice accumulations were expected. Bridges and overpasses were identified as hazardous. Travel could become nearly impossible.
Brine Application: A Key Strategy
Brine acts like antifreeze for roads. It lowers the freezing point of water. This prevents ice from bonding strongly to the pavement. It also makes ice easier to remove. TxDOT began applying brine days before the storm. This pre-treatment was crucial. It ensured roads were ready when precipitation began.
Safety Tips for Drivers
TxDOT offered vital driving advice. Drivers should always stay off the roads during winter weather. Assume all roads are icy. If travel is necessary, drive slowly. Maintain a greater following distance. Never tailgate. Use headlights for visibility. Watch for snow removal equipment. Give these vehicles extra space. Bridges, ramps, and overpasses freeze first. Exercise extra caution on these surfaces. If a vehicle skids, ease off the gas and brake. Steer in the direction of the skid. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
Broader Winter Weather Context
This event was part of a larger winter storm impacting Texas. The National Weather Service predicted widespread wintry precipitation. This included freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Temperatures dropped significantly. Wind chills became dangerously low. This weather pattern posed a threat across the state. Officials stressed preparedness. The City of San Antonio provided cold weather tips. These included protecting people, pets, property, and pipes.
Looking Ahead
TxDOT’s proactive measures were essential. They aimed to mitigate the dangers of freezing rain. The agency’s commitment to safety was clear. Drivers were reminded that road conditions could change rapidly. Staying informed via DriveTexas.org was important. This news highlights the ongoing challenges of winter weather in Texas. It is trending news for the region.
