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AMARILLO Maintenance crews in the Amarillo Districts 17 counties (Armstrong, Carson, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Roberts, and Sherman) spent the last two days pretreating roadways. This is in advance of another round of winter weather expected to impact the northern Texas panhandle Wednesday and the southern portion of the Texas panhandle Thursday, according to the National Weather Service office in Amarillo.

TxDOT's Amarillo District is responsible for 9,503 lane miles and 840 bridges. Of the districts 371 employees, 257 are dedicated to maintenance operations.

Once the storm hits, our maintenance crews will be working in shifts around-the-clock to ensure equipment is working, trucks are loaded with sand and salt, roads are treated as needed, staff is entering road conditions into DriveTexas.org, and so much more, says Wes Kimmell, director of operations for the Amarillo District.

TxDOT's priorities for snow and ice operations are:

"This helps first responders, as well as utility companies, to reach those in need, Kimmell says. Depending on the weather event, were also prepared to call on the assistance of the Texas A&M Forest Service. Just last week, they provided personnel and motor graders to help clear snow from more than 30 miles of roadway in Potter and Randall counties. We really appreciate all the partnerships we have that allow us to respond to winter weather in the best ways possible.

While TxDOT is prepared, it is equally important for drivers to be prepared:

Conditions on roadways can change rapidly, even with proactive measures. Theunpredictable and fast-changing severe Texas weather can still result in some snow and ice accumulation. If you must drive, check weather forecasts and visit DriveTexas or call 800-452-9292 to see conditions and closures on your planned route. If you find yourself stranded or facing an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Read the original:
TxDOT Winter Weather Ready - Texas Department of Transportation