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Texas Thanksgiving Travel: Why I-35 Bridges Can Freeze First
Austin, TX – Texas drivers preparing for Thanksgiving travel along Interstate 35 should know that a treated highway can still become dangerously icy when freezing weather develops. Bridges, elevated i
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-11-11T19:30:49.421Z
Austin, TX – Texas drivers preparing for Thanksgiving travel along Interstate 35 should know that a treated highway can still become dangerously icy when freezing weather develops. Bridges, elevated interchanges and exposed stretches of interstate can lose traction even after road crews have applied winter treatments.
According to winter maintenance guidance from transportation agencies, conventional road salt becomes less effective as pavement temperatures approach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Texas drivers face another important hazard: Freezing rain can coat roadways with ice when surface temperatures drop to freezing, even without significant snowfall.
Why Even Treated Texas Highways Can Freeze Road salt lowers water's freezing point, helping melt snow and ice. Other treatments, including brine, can help prevent ice from bonding to pavement.
But none guarantees safe traction.
Heavy precipitation can dilute treatments, while falling pavement temperatures can allow moisture to freeze or refreeze.
That matters along I 35 through Dallas in Dallas County, Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Waco in McLennan County, Austin in Travis County and San Antonio in Bexar County.
Other major corridors, including I 20, I 10, I 45 and I 30, can also become hazardous during winter weather.
Bridges and overpasses deserve particular attention because they can cool faster than surrounding pavement.
Thanksgiving Travel Could Increase the Danger Thanksgiving falls Thursday, Nov. 26, bringing holiday travelers onto Texas highways connecting major metropolitan areas and neighboring states.
If freezing rain, sleet or rapidly falling temperatures develop during the holiday travel period, even treated interstates could become dangerously slick.
North Texas is particularly vulnerable to winter precipitation, while Central Texas can experience ice storms that affect elevated highways and major interchanges.
The Texas Department of Transportation uses winter road treatments and coordinates highway responses during freezing weather, but no treatment guarantees ice free pavement.
Before departing, motorists should check National Weather Service forecasts and DriveTexas.org for current highway conditions, closures and travel alerts.
The bottom line: Treated does not mean safe. Reduce speed, increase following distances and remain especially cautious on bridges and elevated ramps when temperatures approach freezing.