TxDOT Monitors Red River Rise, Bridges

No bridges presently at risk of being overtopped

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation, in coordination with the National Weather Service and the State Operations Center, is monitoring the impacts of heavy rains in north Texas on the Red River. At this point, the river’s crest is not projected to overtop any of the bridges crossing the river. Frontage roads on I-35 and the turnaround beneath the bridge at the Texas border north of Gainesville are currently closed because of flooding. Bridges crossing the Red River downstream of Lake Texoma are currently open and presently not at risk of being overtopped. The agency will continue to monitor the river’s rise as heavy rains remain in the forecast for north Texas. TxDOT is prepared to respond to emergency situations, including flooding and debris removal, if necessary.

If water is covering a road, don’t try to cross. As little as six inches of water can float some vehicles.

• It is illegal to remove barricades blocking lower water crossings. Penalties can range from $200 to $1,000 and/or two years in jail.
• Never try to walk, swim or drive through swift water.
• If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

Turn around; don’t drown.

Road conditions and traffic updates are available at DriveTexas.org or on Facebook, and Twitter.