TxDOT TAKING COVID-19 ACTION TO KEEP EMPLOYEES, PUBLIC SAFE
TxDOT officials say the department has taken several steps to protect the public and TxDOT employees amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Given the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and President Donald Trump, TxDOT is postponing or cancelling its in-person public hearings and gatherings through April 3rd. That date is subject to change. This excludes the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on March 26th, which will be addressed separately. When possible, TxDOT will look to offer virtual participation strategies for public input.
City of Brenham and Washington County officials are scheduled to meet with TxDOT April 9th to discuss the Highway 290 cloverleaf project, followed by a town hall meeting on April 14th. However, City Manager James Fisher said he will be reaching out to TxDOT to recommend those meetings be postponed until late summer or early fall.
TxDOT has closed the lobbies of its 12 Travel Information Centers until further notice. Outside restrooms will remain available at all times, and will be regularly cleaned between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The safety rest areas on highway throughout the state remain open. Travelers can still speak with center counselors about road conditions or travel information between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 1-800-452-9292, or they can go online to http://drivetexas.org.
TxDOT has also begun running safety messages on its digital highway signs throughout the state, including messages such as “Give Xtra Space, With Each Other, And On The Road” and “Hands Clean, 2 Beat Covid-19, Be on TX Team.”
In conjunction with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration related to COVID-19, TxDOT is also now requiring its office-based employees to telework.
TxDOT officials say they will continue to stay in constant contact with state health and emergency management officials to do their part during this global health situation.
For further information on COVID-19, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.