SMITH COUNTY, Texas — As East Texans began their day scraping ice off their windshields, the Texas Department of Transportation worked on getting ice off the roads to make them safe for drivers.
Jeff Williford with the Tyler division of TxDOT said they’ve been treating roads since Friday.
"We’re continuing to hit trouble spots with this kind of weather and the temperatures are making roadways slick," Williford said.
TxDOT has called in resources from neighboring regions to cover as much ground as possible, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Meanwhile, drivers took their time in driving over the ice on Interstate 20 near the Smith and Gregg County line. TxDOT cleared that roadway with sand and limestone for traction, but a crash involving 18-wheelers caused a backup for miles. Tow trucks were able to get one of the 18-wheelers back on the road.
Juliana Abreu and her husband were driving their 18-wheeler from Florida on their way to Dallas when conditions got bad Sunday night.
"Honestly, the Texas roads are not prepared for that. It was getting too dangerous," Abreu said. "It got to the point where our truck got to the side and skidded so we were not safe."
In their three hours on the side of the road, they saw crash after crash on this stretch of road.
"In a two-mile radius we have seen about five (crashes]," Abreu said.
Smith County Pct. 1 Constable Ralph Caraway Jr. said they've received many calls of people sliding onto the side of the road or losing traction.
"What you don’t see is that blanket of ice until your vehicle hits it and then you lose control," Caraway said. "If there’s a message I can give if you don’t have anything to do or have a reason to be out stay at home."
TxDOT will continue to work around the clock clearing up roads as they prepare for the next stage of this winter weather.
"Another thing is potholes, those form more easily after these extreme temperatures," Williford said.
For the latest road conditions, you can visit our winter weather blog here.