TYLER, Texas — After February’s winter storm, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is already gearing up for the upcoming winter season.
“Last year’s winter weather event was something that we weren’t prepared for,” said Jeff Williford, Public Information Officer for TxDOT, Tyler District. “We do take every event that we’ve had in the past and go back over it and say what worked and what didn’t work.”
In February, the city of Tyler reported 66 crashes due to the winter storm. Longview reported 31 accidents were called into dispatch.
As the temperatures begin to drop in East Texas causing some highways and bridges to be covered with ice, TxDOT is using an advanced strategy to combat the issue.
“We have brine over 130,00 gallons throughout the district,” said Williford. “It stays active seven to nine days and that brine helps keep the ice from forming on the roads.”
It will also be providing around-the-clock service for the eight counties it covers which include Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Gregg, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt and Wood counties.
“We are ready, we do care for their safety and we’re ready to respond in 24/1 timeframe,” Williford added.
TxDOT is also advising drivers to check their vehicles on antifreeze, batteries, tires and windshield wipers.