FORT WORTH, Texas — Well, it’s here.
For the first time this season, we’re seeing winter weather warning signs on interstates across North Texas. And the Texas Department of Transportation, for the first time since last winter, has pre-treated roads across the region.
“This looks to be something of a marginal event,” said Val Lopez, of TxDOT’s Fort Worth division, “but we’re treating it very seriously.”
Lopez said there is the potential for some bridges and overpasses to be slick during the Tuesday morning commute, but nobody needs to panic.
He says drivers need to “drive for the conditions that are present.”
There’s a good chance the commute will only involve rain with a few flakes of snow, but these suggestions are good reminders for any time of road conditions.
“Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you,” Lopez said, “and slow down.”
Lopez said TxDOT put down a brine solution Monday afternoon and night, mainly on bridges and overpasses.
“Those structures are vulnerable to icing over - much more so than the main lanes which are insulated by the ground,” he explained.
Even though the potential for slick roads is quite small, Lopez said state crews can’t ignore it.
“And once it does roll in, we’ll be on call 24-7 until the weather does get better,” he said.