TxDOT treating roads for potential ice

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) - Topping off her gas tank, Dixie Cummings is not quite sure what to expect on her Friday morning commute. With snow predicted, along with the possibility of ice accumulating on the roadways, the nurse who has never driven on frozen roads has a plan.

"Drive careful, get up early, allow time," said Cummings.

The Texas Department of Transportation is hoping other drivers follow suit. In an effort to prevent accidents, they began treating bridges and overpasses along I-35 in between Round Rock and Jarrell with a special de-icing chemical.

"We don't expect this to be a big event, but we have to prepare for it like it's a big event," said John Hurt, TxDOT Public Information Officer.

The tanks on their herbicide trucks were filled with a magnesium-chloride liquid solution designed to melt ice into slush. For it to be effective, it has to be down before rain, sleet or snow falls.

Hurt said crews will hit bridges and overpasses on major Austin roadways at 3:00 a.m. Friday before rush hour.

Austin-Travis County EMS has 30 ambulances ready to roll out any minute Friday. Additional paramedics are also on-call. They urge drivers to stay home if possible.

"The less people on the roadway, the better and safer it is for anyone," said Mark Montgomery, Austin-Travis County EMS District Commander.

If you're like Dixie, you do not have much of a choice. It is not just her own driving she is worried about.

"I don't know how much experience any of us have here in Georgetown driving on ice," said Cummings. "Not much clearly!"