The Texas Department of Public Safety Released a report Christmas morning regarding travel conditions.
Christmas Eve’s slushy/snowy roads have become Christmas day’s ice rink. This means near zero traction.
Before midnight last night, the DPS helicopter from garland was requested to assist in Eastland and Callahan counties. The helicopter made several passes along interstate 20. Volunteer fire departments from many areas worked along side state troopers and TxDOT workers trying to get to and aid these stranded motorists. However, travel is just as treacherous for the rescuers.
At this time, about 200 vehicles are still stranded on interstate 20 eastbound lanes from mile post 316 east of Baird, to mile post 319 at Putnam in Callahan County, Texas. Workers are going car to car trying to get the eastbound lane moving. Eastbound travel is being diverted at Abilene and turned back west. This is to give TxDOT time to sand bridges and grades.
Many travelers have taken advantage of the emergency shelters in Clyde, Baird, Putnam, Cisco and Eastland. Abilene motels and hotels that were near empty late last night now report no vacancy.
An alternate route for eastbound traffic from Abilene would be to travel to Brownwood to us 67, to US 377 at Stephenville to Ft. Worth.
Ranger Hill is open! Traffic is moving slowly. Callahan and Eastland troopers report that five mph in some areas is dangerous! Other areas motorist can get up to about 30 to 40 mph on interstate 20.
Travel should be postponed until the sun comes out and melts the ice which should be about noon today. Officials are cautioning that tonight wet roads will once again freeze up and become a traffic problem.
Travel is discouraged.
Many roadside stores and gas stations will be closed for Christmas!
When travel is a must, (an emergency) please keep in mind a few safety tips.
- Try to keep your gas gauge as full as possible
- Take warm weather gear with you, just in case
- Food and water.
- A cell phone
- Be prepared for long delays
- Slow down on wet/icy roads
- Remember when one vehicle spins out, it normally causes other cars to take evasive action. One vehicle mishap can shut down an entire interstate full of travelers!
