TRAVEL UPDATE: TxDOT crews working to keep highways clear

CHILDRESS – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been working around the clock in 12-hour shifts clearing and monitoring roadways while responding quickly to any trouble spots since the beginning of a record-breaking temperature winter storm that impacted the state late Saturday night.

In the Childress District, crews have been clearing snow-packed roadways while removing large snow drifts that occurred in several counties.

TxDOT urges drivers to stay off the roadway unless travel cannot be avoided. With another round of snow predicted on Tuesday, crews will continue to work non-stop treating, clearing and monitoring roadways. Crews will concentrate on Tier 1 and Tier 2 roads (I-40 and US Highways) before moving to State Highways (SH) and Farm-To-Market (FM) roads. Crews will also work to clear those roadways around schools and hospitals.

If travel cannot be avoided, follow these winter weather driving tips:

• Always use caution on icy or slick roads. Slow down when approaching turns, bridges and shaded spots. Remember, bridges and overpasses are the first places on a roadway to freeze.
• Don’t tailgate. Increase the space between you and the vehicle in front of you by allowing at least three times the normal following distance.
• When you must stop, brake gently and use slow, steady pushes to test traction.
• Don’t use cruise control. Cruise control can quickly turn into “lose control” in icy conditions.
• If you find yourself in a skid, stay calm and keep both hands on the wheel. Take your foot off the gas, look where you want to go, and then steer in that direction.
• Give extra space to vehicles that may be parked on the side of the road. Move over a lane when you see a vehicle with its flashing lights on, such as a tow truck, law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, or TxDOT vehicle.

The Childress District serves the following counties: Briscoe, Childress, Collingsworth, Cottle, Dickens, Donley, Foard, Hall, Hardeman, King, Knox, Motley and Wheeler.

For conditions across the state, drivers can go to drivetexas.org or call our toll-free number at 1-800-452-9292.

For more information, contact TxDOT Public Information Officer Ginger Wilson at (940) 937-7288. Follow the Childress District on Twitter at @TxDOTChildress.