A blast of cold air swept through Dallas, bringing freezing temperatures and patchy ice, leaving road crews working around the clock to keep conditions safe. While the rain eased, the risk of black ice persisted, especially on bridges and overpasses. Officials urged drivers to remain cautious as sand trucks and emergency crews tackled slick spots across the city.
Crews Battle Ice With Limited Options
The timing of the rain complicated road treatment efforts.
“Because it has been raining, I do believe there will be some very slick spots once it reaches under 32 degrees,” said Tina Richardson, Assistant Director of the Street Operations Division. “So for those areas, we will be placing sand on them to help dry quicker and be less slick.”
Applying liquid brine, a standard pre-treatment for icy conditions, wasn’t an option Tuesday due to excessive moisture. Instead, 40 sand trucks were deployed, with another 40 on standby. Crews worked 12-hour shifts, monitoring high-risk areas to prevent accidents.
Bridges and Overpasses Pose the Greatest Risk
Not all roads ice over at the same rate. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than surface streets because they lack insulation from the ground.
TxDOT officials focused their efforts on these vulnerable areas.
- Crews started pretreating roads as early as Friday, laying down an initial layer of brine.
- The process continued through the weekend before transitioning to spot treatments on Monday and Tuesday.
- Real-time monitoring from the Dallas District Traffic Management Center ensured rapid response to trouble spots.
Tony Hartzel, a TxDOT spokesperson, emphasized the agency’s readiness. “Yesterday and today we have been spot treating, catching those bridges and overpasses primarily where ice may accumulate.”
750 Cameras Watch Over North Texas Roads
To stay ahead of the freeze, Dallas officials turned to a vast surveillance network.
The Dallas District Traffic Management Center oversees 750 cameras spanning seven counties, allowing real-time tracking of trouble spots. Operators can quickly spot ice patches, alert emergency crews, and provide live updates to the public.
This monitoring system plays a crucial role during winter weather events. By identifying slick roads early, officials can direct resources where they are needed most, reducing the risk of accidents and delays.
Drivers Urged to Stay Cautious
Despite the best efforts of road crews, ice remains unpredictable.
Officials warn that even treated roads can develop slick patches, particularly overnight when temperatures dip the lowest. Drivers are advised to:
- Reduce speed and increase following distance.
- Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
- Stay off bridges and overpasses when possible.
- Check local traffic updates before heading out.
With temperatures expected to stay below freezing overnight, city officials remain on high alert, ready to respond to changing conditions.
