Black ice and freezing fog continue to plague North Texas highways on Wednesday morning, with multiple major roadways shut down after a tractor-trailer collision closed State Highway 114 in Grapevine.
The treacherous conditions have persisted since the weekend winter storm, creating invisible hazards on bridges and overpasses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Two big rigs crashed on eastbound State Highway 114 near State Highway 121 around 6 a.m. Wednesday. Grapevine police said the first truck lost control and hit a barrier, then a second 18-wheeler crashed into the scene while officers were already there.
No injuries were reported, but the highway will remain closed for at least two hours. Traffic is being diverted to southbound State Highway 121 and State Highway 360.
The National Weather Service issued a freezing fog advisory through Wednesday morning. Dense fog reduced visibility to less than a quarter-mile in some areas, while light ice formed on road surfaces.
“The people think the sun is clearing it off, but it’s really not,” truck driver Evelyn Montoya told FOX 4 KDFW. “You don’t know what you’re slipping into.”
Interstate 30 near Belt Line Road reopened Wednesday morning after hours of closure due to dangerous road conditions. Officials warned that slick spots remain on the roadway.
Motorist Jay Taylor learned the hard way about deceptive road conditions.
“I was trying to get to work, got on the little bridge, and it slid all the way down,” Taylor said, per Fox 4, adding that his vehicle suffered tire and wheel bearing damage.
Temperatures are forecasted to climb into the low 40s on Wednesday afternoon, potentially melting some remaining ice. But another freeze is expected as temperatures drop back into the 20s overnight.
Drivers are urged to stay home if possible. Those who must travel should increase the following distance, avoid cruise control, and approach bridges slowly.
Emergency officials recommend keeping winter supplies in vehicles, including warm clothing, food, water, and first-aid supplies. Drivers can track real-time road conditions through TxDOT’s live map system.
