TxDOT and the City of Houston prepared roads for snow and urged the public to stay home ahead of the winter storm

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Local and state road crews have been preparing for the winter storm since last week. Multiple agencies across the state are responsible for bringing enough trucks and supplies to our region to make the roads passable.

For example, what is normally a dump truck at Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones’ office was converted into a rock spreader for the duration of this winter storm. As soon as bridges freeze over in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, the gritters get to work.

“Chat Rock is essentially putting sandpaper on the bridges. This allows you to create more friction even if there is a little ice. This allows you to drive more safely on the ice,” said Reynaldo Guerra, head of infrastructure in Precinct 4. “It doesn’t necessarily affect the melting temperature of the ice, but if you create conditions where the vehicle can drive over the bridges, the bridges will warm up a bit.”

Meanwhile, City of Houston crews sprayed a saline solution on major streets in the Medical Center, the Galleria and other major streets within city limits. And they will continue to attack major roads in the city as conditions are expected to worsen.

At the state level, the Texas Department of Transportation announced that trucks and equipment from other regions have come to Houston to help on our highways.

ABC13 also found Harris County Toll Road Authority crews driving brine trucks under the Beltway.

“We bought a lot more material. We usually buy,” Guerra said, adding that they have 30 tons of chat rock in stock. “We have a lot of equipment, but you don’t see snow plows, but you do see front loaders and backhoes. We’re dedicated and very resourceful here, so if we need to clear snow, we’re ready to clear some snow too.

Despite all the work, the simple reality is that our region is not used to snow and sleet. For the general public, only one piece of advice is important.

“We really encourage you to stay home,” Guerra said.

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