Motorists Urged to Use Caution

TYLER � Though snowy weather has cleared out, motorists still need to be especially careful. Tyler police report the city started experiencing worsening road conditions as a result of the cold temperatures and overnight snowfall. By early Friday, between one and two inches of snow was reported to be present on the roadways with possible ice build-up around bridges and overpasses. Due to these conditions the roadways became very slick with poor traction control, making it difficult to steer and/or brake. City of Tyler Street Department personnel were notified and dispatched to help sand and clear the roadways to prevent further ice and snow build-up.

Major roadways have cleared up considerably. But some stretches are slick, especially intersections and hills, causing a lack of traction. Tyler Police say motorists have been getting stuck at the intersections and on hills. They still advise you to stay off the roads. Police have been working numerous calls for service due to the inclement weather. Officers said Friday if you are involved in a collision, the Tyler Police Department will only respond if there are injuries, vehicles are not able to be moved, or a street sign or traffic light has been damaged. All other motorists who are involved in a collision may come by the police station at a later date and pick up a “Blue State Collision Report.”

TXDOT Public Information Officer Larry Krantz says roads surrounded by trees, which don’t receive direct sunlight, can be the most dangerous, as well as roads with a water run-off nearby.

Krantz also says the following roads can typically be the most dangerous in our area:
*Interstate 20 at 69.
*I-20 at Highway 54 in Van Zandt.
*Loop 49 at Farm Road 2493.
*State Highway 154.
*US 69 Railroad overpass in Jacksonville