As you’re planning your holiday travel this Thanksgiving, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wants to make sure you’re aware of resources that can help get you where you’re going on time, safer, and a little less stressed out.
The first thing to know is that mainlane closures will end Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7 a.m. No more construction closures will be allowed until midnight Sunday, Nov. 30. (However, be aware, emergency closures due to incidents might still occur.)
Information Resources
TxDOT has a number of information resources you can access to both plan your trip and stay aware of any incidents that might occur in Texas and on I-35.
- DriveTexas.org: Your #1 resource for planning your route wherever you’re driving in Texas.
- TxDOT twitter feeds: giving you both general and specific information (your choice) about travel conditions on I-35.
- @My35TravelTimes: keeps you apprised of incidents in the Waco District. Traffic delays of 5 minutes or more are tweeted to subscribers every five minutes (as long as that delay lasts).
- @TxDOTWacoPIO: provides general updates of what TxDOT is doing in and for the Waco District, with special emphasis on I-35 conditions.
- @I35Travel: sends information regarding the entire length of I-35 within Texas.
- Email alerts: Sign up for regular updates on I-35 construction.
- My35 lane closure alerts: get daily updates, 7-day closure forecasts, and high-impact closure forecasts.
- Central Texas incident alerts: receive email alerts about unexpected incidents (e.g., a wreck, an emergency lane closure, etc.).
While You’re on the Road…
TxDOT released the following travel tips to reduce the number of traffic fatalities this holiday season:
- Pay attention to the road by putting your phone away and limiting distractions.
- Buckle up — both drivers and passengers.
- Drive to conditions by lowering your speed when it’s raining, snowing or if ice is on the road.
- Use the left lane for passing only.
- Never drink and drive.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
- Watch for road closures, changing conditions and weather alerts.
So remember: with a little advance planning (and pleasant stops along the way), you can relieve some of the stress of holiday travel. And that’s something worth celebrating!