A blast of cold air has left Dallas roads dangerously icy after a period of freezing rain swept through the city. Road crews are now working non-stop to treat slick spots, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Officials are urging drivers to use extreme caution as the threat of black ice continues with temperatures expected to remain below freezing.
Crews Turn to Sand as Rain Ruins Treatment Plans
The timing of the winter weather created a major challenge for street crews. Heavy rain made it impossible to pre-treat the roads with liquid brine, a salt and water mixture that usually prevents ice from bonding to the pavement.
“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. Instead of brine, the city has deployed its fleet of sand trucks to provide traction on icy patches. Crews are working in 12-hour shifts to keep up with the changing conditions.
The table below outlines the city’s current response efforts.
| Resource Deployed | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Sand Trucks | 40 Active, 40 on Standby |
| Crew Shifts | Operating 24/7 in 12-hour rotations |
| Primary Method | Spreading sand for traction |
Richardson explained that the sand will help dry the wet spots quicker and make them less slick for drivers navigating the hazardous roads.
Bridges and Overpasses Remain the Greatest Risk
Not all road surfaces are freezing at the same rate. Bridges and overpasses are the most dangerous areas because cold air circulates above and below the roadway, causing them to freeze much faster than streets with ground insulation.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have been focusing their efforts on these high-risk structures. Crews began pre-treating major roads with brine as early as last Friday, but the continued rain forced them to switch to a more reactive approach.
“Yesterday and today we have been spot treating, catching those bridges and overpasses primarily where ice may accumulate,” said Tony Hartzel, a TxDOT spokesperson. This targeted response ensures that the most vulnerable parts of the highway system are addressed quickly.
A Network of 750 Cameras Monitors for Trouble
To manage the widespread icy conditions, officials are relying on a massive surveillance network. The Dallas District Traffic Management Center uses 750 cameras across seven counties to monitor road conditions in real-time.
This technology allows operators to spot ice patches as they form. Once a trouble spot is identified, operators can immediately dispatch emergency crews to the location and post live updates for the public on digital message signs. This system is crucial for a rapid and effective response during winter weather events.
Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Home if Possible
Even with crews working around the clock, officials warn that conditions remain unpredictable. Black ice is difficult to see and can form on roads that appear to be just wet. The safest option is to avoid driving until temperatures rise above freezing.
For those who must travel, authorities have issued several key safety recommendations to help prevent accidents on the slick roads.
- Reduce your speed significantly and leave extra space between your car and the one in front of you.
- Avoid making sudden turns, braking, or accelerating, as these actions can cause you to lose control.
- If possible, plan a route that avoids bridges and overpasses.
- Check local traffic reports for the latest road closures and conditions before you leave.
With temperatures expected to stay low overnight, the risk of icy patches will continue. City officials remain on high alert and are prepared to adapt to any worsening conditions.
