AUSTIN, Texas — As the wintry weather forecast begins to crystalize, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun to pretreat bridges and overpasses on major Austin roads.
TxDOT said once pretreatment is complete, crews will continue to monitor the roads throughout the weekend and into next week and retreat as needed.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for portions of the KVUE viewing area from midnight through noon Thursday. As of Wednesday afternoon, the KVUE Storm Team is tracking the possibility of light freezing rain overnight. The winter weather is only expected to worsen over the weekend.
The Austin district of TxDOT is working with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions. TxDOT said drivers should follow these guidelines to keep themselves and others safe:
- Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses, as these are the first to freeze.
- Reduce your speed. A vehicle needs at least three times more space to stop on a slick roadway. Don't apply the brakes suddenly, and avoid using cruise control.
- Slow down when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet when approaching crews. Don't pass on the right, and remember visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
- Be patient. Keep to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts through territory that may not have been treated.
- Winterize vehicles before traveling during adverse weather. Check fuel, tire, oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure the heater, brakes and windshield wipers are working properly.
- Check area weather conditions on radio or television before starting a trip.
For real-time roadway conditions in your area, check DriveTexas.org.
The KVUE Storm Team is continuing to monitoring this developing forecast. Stay with KVUE on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and download the KVUE News app so you can stay ahead of the weather: kvue.com/app.
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