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Winter Weather Event Spotlights Emergency Preparedness When winter weather blankets the North Texas area, you can be sure the NTTA Maintenance and System and Incident Management (SIM) Departments are working around the clock to keep roadways safe for NTTA motorists.
The winter weather event that occurred Jan. 26-29 was no exception. When freezing temperatures and precipitation approached, the Maintenance Department switched to “Code Red” operation where all routine maintenance operations ceased and 12-hour work shifts began. Over the course of four days, 81 vehicles were loaded and spread de-icing materials and sand along 59 routes that included the 121 Tollway, the Dallas North Tollway and President George Bush Turnpike.
During the event, crews drove 30,849 miles and used approximately 2,500 cubic yards of sand and 600 cubic yards of Meltdown (MD) 20, a chemical that assists with reducing ice build-up on roadways.
The NTTA also utilized cutting-edge technology to monitor roadway conditions and swiftly respond to icy conditions. The Authority initially installed its Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) in 2004 at the Dallas North Tollway (DNT)/President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) Interchange to measure pavement temperature and surface conditions on its roads, bridges and elevated ramps. Two more sets of sensors were installed in 2006 at the PGBT/I-35 and PGBT/I-635 Interchanges.
As freezing drizzle fell, the NTTA Command Center used an internet web browser to view pavement sensor information gathered by a pavement sensor server located at Main Lane Plaza 7. When icy conditions began to develop, the Command Center was able to respond by dispatching maintenance crews and vehicles to those areas requiring sanding.
Once the wintry weather moved out of the area, NTTA sweepers promptly began the task of removing excess sand from NTTA roads.
The NTTA received a national award in 2008 for its superior response to icy road conditions. The Authority accepted an Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award from the American Public Works Association, a national educational and professional group.
With safety the number-one concern at the NTTA, always remember: If you have car trouble or get stuck on a NTTA toll road, call Roadway Customer Service—a free, non-emergency service to NTTA motorists. Just call the NTTA’s Command Center at (214) 224-2203 (the number is on the back of your TollTag) to request assistance.
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