EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Texas Department of Transportation El Paso District is taking proactive measures to prepare for potential winter weather conditions.
Maintenance crews are coordinating with staff, neighboring districts, and counties to ensure readiness for any upcoming freeze.
This preparation includes stockpiling winterizing materials, testing and installing winter equipment, and ensuring effective radio communication and personnel scheduling.
The safety for our employees and the traveling public is our priority,” said TxDOT El Paso District Engineer Tomas Treviño. “We want to be proactive as it is critical to be ready for inclement conditions and it is safer to pretreat roads ahead of any storm.
Crews will apply brine, a salt and water mixture, to roads ahead of freezing temperatures and precipitation.
This fast-moving operation involves a three-vehicle convoy with brine treatment signs, and drivers are advised not to interfere with the mobile operation. If brine contacts a vehicle, it should be rinsed off with water.
The winter response team considers factors such as moisture, temperature, and National Weather Service forecasts when planning road treatments.
Critical areas include the IH-10/IH-20 split and the Pine Springs, Guadalupe Mountains area, which are challenging due to their remote locations and icy conditions.
The TxDOT El Paso District, covering six counties, prioritizes roadways during winter events, with I-10 taking precedence.
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