TxDOT Prepares Houston Roads for Winter Storm with Brine Treatment

Winter Storm Preparation by TxDOT

• ❄️ TxDOT crews have been actively treating major freeways and roads in the Houston area ahead of an anticipated winter storm.
• 💧 The primary treatment involves spraying a brine solution, a mixture of salt and water, along key routes like I-10, 610 loop, and Highway 290.

How Brine Treatment Works

• 🧪 The brine solution lowers the freezing point of moisture on the pavement, preventing ice from bonding to the road surface and improving driver traction.
• 🔄 Crews are working in convoys to cover both freeways and secondary roads, and will continue retreating as needed due to ongoing rain.

Winter Operations and Safety

• 🛠️ TxDOT is operating in an EOCC mode with 24/7 shifts to ensure continuous road treatment.
• ⚠️ If conditions worsen and ice builds up, crews will switch to spreading a gravel and salt mixture to break up ice and provide traction, primarily for emergency vehicles.
• 🚗 Officials emphasize that even with gravel on the road, conditions may not be safe for regular travel, and strongly advise avoiding travel if possible.
• 🚛 Drivers are reminded to give brine convoys plenty of space while they are working to ensure crew safety.