Thursday, September 24, 2026

State, city agencies work to clear D-FW roads, but many wait in limbo as ice melts

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North Texas Weather Update

North Texas is on the other side of the winter storm, but it may not feel like it with schools closed again Wednesday and many residents still stuck at home.

Road conditions were still far from ideal for commutes Wednesday morning, as a pattern of melting and refreezing over several days introduced black ice hazards.

Michael Rey, spokesman for the North Texas Tollway Authority, said in an email to The Dallas Morning News that the agency has been clearing precipitation and applying salt deicer to main lanes and ramps for all NTTA roads since the beginning of the storm, and crews are continuing to do that Wednesday.

Current Road Conditions

By Tuesday morning, most major interstates and highways — including Interstate 30, U.S. Highway 75 and Interstate 35 East — had multiple lanes cleared for drivers, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s traffic cameras. Spokesman Tony Hartzel said in an email to The News that TxDOT is “making major headway on clearing the state highways, interstates, U.S. highways and F.M. roads,” but not city streets or neighborhood roads.

Because of this, snow and ice remained a hazard on most neighborhood streets Wednesday, preventing some residents from accessing those highways.

City Response

The Dallas Department of Transportation and Public Works, which has eight snow plows and 50 sanding trucks, said it prioritizes bridges and overpasses to clear first. Major streets, DART bus routes and emergency facility entrances are the next highest priority.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the department said crews had opened at least one lane in both directions along major thoroughfares. Crews are working to open additional lanes as thawing continues.

The department also noted the city will only sand residential streets at the request of Dallas police and Dallas Fire-Rescue to assist with emergency responses.

Accidents and Safety

Over the course of the winter storm, many North Texans have still braved the roads despite the hazardous conditions — sometimes resulting in accidents.

The Dallas Police Department said, as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers had responded to almost 350 accidents since the start of the winter storm.

Snow and ice begins to melt on Hampton Road following a winter storm on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Dallas.

Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

Weather Forecast

Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans said they were prepared for the worst, but the overall response numbers weren’t as high as anticipated.

“The relatively low number of accidents were the product of drivers staying off the roadways for the most part,” he said. “Even those who were on the roadway were driving slowly enough that when there was an accident they were mostly at very low speeds with minor to no injuries.”

Weather conditions also look promising for more rapid melting Wednesday, the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office said. Sunshine and temperatures up in the 40s are expected throughout the day, and refreezing should be less prominent overnight.

Madi Gordon, a meteorologist with the weather service, said temperatures are only expected to dip below 32 degrees for a few hours Wednesday night, limiting refreezing and helping roads stay clear. Gordon did note that slick spots are still likely Thursday morning, but ice should be less widespread than on previous days.

Horacio Tinoco clears his driveway of snow and ice following a winter storm on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Dallas. Tinoco said he wanted the driveway to be clear so his children could safely get to school tomorrow morning.

Horacio Tinoco clears his driveway of snow and ice following a winter storm on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Dallas. Tinoco said he wanted the driveway to be clear so his children could safely get to school tomorrow morning.

Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

Driving Safety Tips

If you must venture out before the ice melts, it’s best to drive extremely slowly and be alert at all times. You can also view The News’ traffic map to check road conditions before you go:

Conclusion

North Texas is slowly recovering from the winter storm, but it’s essential to remain cautious and patient. With schools closed and many residents still stuck at home, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and follow the instructions of local authorities.

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