Local TxDOT crews head to north Texas, aid in winter storm efforts

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews are headed to Fort Worth Wednesday morning to support winter storm response efforts.

These crews will be joining their colleagues in North Texas for snow removal. TxDOT Maintenance Administrator Greg Rakay said they will mainly focus on de-icing and it is always something they do when other parts of the state need assistance.

"Here at TxDOT we have no borders so if someone needs help we take the call and do what we can to help them out," Rakay said.

The team will leave for North Texas from the Pharr headquarters around 7:30 a.m. The 11-member crew will assist with brining operations and snow removal on Thursday. They are expected back home on Friday.

“We helped them out a couple of years ago and it's great," Rakay said. "That’s why we are running here around making sure we are ready so we don’t have any trouble on the way up there. Because if you break down there in the cold it is not a good thing. So, we want to have everything in good shape and the guys are more than eager to get there and they like doing this stuff.”

Rakay added that people should not travel during the cold weather if they do not have to.

Although no snow is expected in the RGV, the cold weather mixed with rain can be dangerous.

Ruben Capetillo, owner of Integrity Auto Repair in Edinburg said tire pressure issues and making sure vehicles have the correct amount of coolant are important as freezing temperatures can cause damage to radiators.

He also advises people to carry battery cables as well.

“Carry battery cables or a jump starter with you as well, because the cold weather does affect batteries. It causes vehicles to drag when they start up in the mornings or with cold weather, topping up your tires and checking your wipers and fluids," Capetillo said.

Capetillo added that people should also check if their car heaters are functioning properly as many Valley drivers do not use them during most of the year.

TxDOT will continue to monitor weather forecasts here in our region and will activate brining crews if necessary.