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TxDOT Monitors Red River Rise, Bridges
Contact: Media Relations
Phone: (512) 463-8700
Date: May 23, 2015

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.  

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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. Fan us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

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