350 workers racing against time to prepare North Texas roads for winter storms

In North Texas, highway crews have started brining roads in anticipation of potential winter weather next week. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Fort Worth District planned to initiate pre-treatments on Sunday, focusing on bridges and overpasses that are prone to freezing first. The brine, a mixture of salt and water, acts as an anti-freeze, preventing ice from forming on the roads. More than 350 personnel will work around the clock to monitor and respond to road conditions as necessary. TxDOT has stockpiled over half a million gallons of brine for this winter weather event. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) also began brining elevated highway sections on Friday and will maintain a patrol presence throughout the region to ensure safety. If wintry precipitation does form, crews in Fort Worth are preparing to respond using a salt-sand mix and have strategically positioned their equipment throughout the city. The Fort Worth Streets Department has allocated more than 4,000 tons of salt-sand for immediate use as sub-freezing temperatures could present hazardous conditions. Emergency response sites, including hospitals and shelters, will be prioritized for treatment. Despite these preparations, city officials acknowledge that it is impossible to be everywhere at once. They urge drivers to take extra precautions, including planning for additional travel time and giving roadway treatment crews ample space to work as conditions worsen. Communication is critical in ensuring drivers understand the need to adjust their travel habits in the face of adverse weather. Training for employees has also been conducted to ensure they are knowledgeable about winter weather responses. The city is stressing the importance of readiness in dealing with weather events, planning to activate crews according to how conditions develop in the coming days. Safety remains a top priority as North Texas braces for its first winter weather event of the year.