TEXAS — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun preparations in response to the incoming winter weather.
TxDOT’s X accounts for different districts have notified the public that they are doing “brine ops” in multiple different cities in the state, including Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. Brine operations involve treating highways and interstates with a salt-water solution to prevent the roads from freezing, according to Texarkana Today.
“Hwy brine ops have started ahead of anticipated winter weather to help w/initial ice. Watch forecasts as hazardous travel conditions could develop,” the TxDOT Dallas X stated.
DALLAS AREA – Hwy brine ops have started ahead of anticipated #winter weather to help w/initial ice. Watch forecasts as hazardous travel conditions could develop!
Give our crews space to work and maybe even a friendly little wave. They’re in for some long days/nights ahead! #txwx pic.twitter.com/O0yuNhwosb
— TxDOT Dallas (@TxDOTDallas) January 21, 2026
The Austin TxDOT X post features a photo of a vehicle spraying the solution on all sides of the road.
“Slow down, give our crews room to work, and drive carefully,” the post stated.
Heads up! TxDOT crews will be out pretreating roads starting tonight ahead of potential winter weather.❄️
Slow down, give our crews room to work, and drive carefully. pic.twitter.com/94c5Hm8WFp
— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) January 21, 2026
San Antonio, which is not expected to receive as much severe weather as the northern part of Texas, is still taking precaution.
“TxDOT crews are loading brine and will begin pretreating roads tomorrow in the San Antonio area with possible freezing conditions,” TxDOT San Antonio’s X stated. “If you see our crews, please move over and slow down. Stay safe!”
TxDOT has a page on their website giving additional information and safety tips regarding driving in dangerous winter weather. The page can be found here.