AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation is ramping up winter weather preparations ahead of the holiday travel season, officials said Tuesday.
TxDOT officials joined representatives from AAA and the TxDOT HERO Program at a media briefing to discuss holiday travel safety and winter storm readiness.
“We want to make sure that our most critical roads will remain open at all times in the event of a storm,” said Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT Austin district engineer. “Our team is standing by ready 24/7 to make sure the roadways are passable for those who need them most, including our emergency responders.”
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AAA projects that 5.3 million Texans will drive to their destinations.
“More than ever before, it’s a clear sign that families are eager to connect and spend time with loved ones,” said Daniel Armbruster, a AAA senior public affairs specialist.
TxDOT Austin has tripled its stockpile of brine and magnesium chloride since 2021 to help prevent and melt ice on roadways, Ferguson said. The district maintains more than 150 pieces of equipment, including five snowplows, and has 270 crew members ready for winter operations.
Officials emphasized the importance of Texas’ “slow down, move over” law, which requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit when they see flashing red, blue, amber or white lights.
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“Far too many roadside workers are injured or killed each year, on average about 24, because someone was driving distracted or failed to obey this law,” Armbruster said.
Joey Campbell of the TxDOT HERO Program said the roadside assistance service operates from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday on major Austin-area highways, with extended hours on I-35. The program offers free services including fuel, tire changes and water.
TxDOT urged drivers to check weather forecasts and road conditions at DriveTexas.org before traveling, slow down in winter conditions, avoid distractions, never drink and drive and always wear seat belts.
