EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The City of El Paso said it has started preparing roads ahead of this weekend’s drop in temperatures.<\/p>\n
According to the City of El Paso, crews with Streets and Maintenance have activated the department’s “Snow and Ice Response Plan” to mitigate potential road hazards. <\/p>\n
For example, the City said it has stockpiled sand and salt mixtures to pour over bridges and elevated roadways, high-traffic streets and roads leading in and out of fire and police stations, and hospitals.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso TSA prepares for Real ID compliance with new fee<\/a><\/p>\n “Public safety is our priority,” said Streets and Maintenance Department Director Randy Garcia, adding that the City is ready to “mobilize crews and equipment to prevent and address the buildup of ice on roadways.”<\/p>\n Despite the preventive work, the City emphasized that drivers need to practice “extra caution” during wintry conditions. <\/p>\n The City is asking drivers to slow down– especially in areas that tend to ice up; increase distance between vehicles; plan your drive and head out the door earlier than usual; avoid sudden brakes, turns or lane changes; treat wet-looking roads as icy–especially in the morning or at night; and be extra alert around construction zones, road crews, emergency vehicles and vehicles that have pulled over or broken down.<\/p>\n