Brine, bridge treatments and round-the-clock crews targeted flyovers and elevated roads as officials urge drivers to stay home during winter storm.
SAN ANTONIO — Freezing rain continues to fall across San Antonio and the Hill Country this weekend, and Texas Department of Transportation crews are working around the clock to keep roadways safe.
TxDOT officials said their primary focus has been bridges, overpasses and flyover ramps. One area drawing particular attention is the recently opened flyover ramp at the intersection of Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 on the northwest side—a stretch of roadway that has never been driven during a freeze event.
As temperatures drop overnight, officials warned that the ramp could become increasingly dangerous for drivers.
Crews have been treating roadways with brine, a saltwater mixture designed to prevent ice from bonding to pavement. The mixture has been applied since Thursday in anticipation of the freezing conditions.
“At the start of this event, we had almost 800,000 gallons of brine on hand, and we will continue to produce more as needed,” a TxDOT official said. “We work closely with other state agencies to track the forecast.”
TxDOT said about 300 crew members are working 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day. Crews in the field relay real-time information about road conditions, allowing resources to be directed where they are needed most to keep key routes open and passable.
On Saturday morning, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones encouraged residents to limit their weekend driving if possible.
For those who must drive, officials recommend allowing extra travel time, watching for icy conditions and slowing down.
Drivers can find the latest road conditions at DriveTexas.org.