Published: September 13, 2008 02:15 pm      

TxDot responding to Hurricane Ike

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is actively engaged in

recovery and clean up operations along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Ike,

as conditions allow. Crews from across the state are entering the

affected areas to assess damage and clear the way for the multi-agency

recovery effort led by the State of Texas. Many roadways in the affected

areas are still not safe for travel due to flooding, power outages and

debris. Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in

Texas. TxDOT continues to utilize dynamic message signs across the state

to provide valuable information to motorists regarding travel and road

conditions and shelter services.



RECENT ACTION:



Multiple lane closures affect roads across the area affected by

Hurricane Ike. Many roadways in the affected areas are still not safe for

travel due to flooding, power outages and debris. Flash flooding is the

leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. Travel in the area

affected by Hurricane Ike is strongly discouraged.



All TxDOT courtesy patrols in southeast and east Texas have ceased

operations



Approximately 75 pieces of heavy equipment and 85 TxDOT employees

from San Antonio, Laredo, Corpus Christi, Yoakum and Pharr departed in a

convoy from Yoakum at 8 a.m. CDT on Saturday for the Houston and Beaumont

areas. This crew will meet up with crews in Houston and Beaumont this

morning to assist with clearing roads for emergency response teams. Crews

of a similar size and makeup are positioned in Bryan and south Dallas and

will respond from those locales as soon as winds subside to safe levels.

This 250 employee deployment from 10 inland TxDOT districts will join the

nearly 1200 employees in Houston and Beaumont to open roads after Ike

passes. District Engineers in Yoakum, Bryan and Dallas are providing

safety briefings to crews before they deploy to impacted areas.



The Texas Road Condition and Travel Information line (800-452-9292) is

staffed by operators until 8 p.m. CDT on Saturday. Recorded information

on road conditions is available on a 24-hour basis.



TxDOT asks motorists to remember that flash flooding is the leading

cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. As little as six inches of water

can float some vehicles. If you encounter a flooded road, Turn Around,

Don't Drown.

- Never try to walk, swim or drive through swift water.

- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.

- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to

higher ground if you can do so safely.

- Don't move, tamper with or drive around barriers blocking a

low-water crossing. Penalties range from $200 to $1,000 and/or two years

in jail.

- For more information: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tadd



ONGOING ACTION:



TxDOT reminds motorists who evacuated in personal vehicles to wait

for announcements about reentry into hurricane-affected areas. Officials

will make public announcements about phased reentry once it is safe for

travel.



TxDOT is using portable message signs to convey information on road

conditions and services for evacuees.



TxDOT districts have suspended avoidable lane closures along

potential evacuation routes.



TxDOT is in communication with Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern and

BNSF Railroads to minimize blockage of highway rail crossings in the

southeast Texas region.



Podcasts summarizing the current TxDOT response to Hurricane Ike are

available on the TxDOT's "Keep Texas Moving" website: http://www.keeptexasmoving.com/index.php/podcast



TxDOT is actively participating in activities at the State Operations

Center in Austin. TxDOT's Emergency Operations Center in Austin is open.



FOR MORE INFORMATION:



For information on Texas road conditions, call the Texas Road

Condition and Travel Information Line (800-452-9292) or visit TxDOT's

website: www.txdot.gov



For information on responding to Hurricane Ike, log on to Texas

Online: http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/emergency