The Texas Department of Transportation announced Monday that the Child Passenger Safety Seat Check slated for 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 20 at 421 East Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs has been cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus. The event will be rescheduled for a later date.
TxDOT has closed the lobbies of its district, area and county maintenance offices for similar concerns.
“We have placed contact telephone numbers on the doors of our offices to let the public know how to contact us by telephone, if necessary,” announced Tim McAlavy, public information officer for TxDOT.
The phone number fo the Paris District Office is 903-737-9213.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES
Given the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cancel gatherings of 50 or more people and the request from President Donald Trump to avoid gatherings larger than 10 people, TxDOT has announced also the organization is postponing or canceling its in-person public hearings and gatherings through April 3; that date is subject to change. This excludes the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on March 26, which will be addressed separately. When possible, TxDOT will look to offer virtual participation strategies for public input.
“Work on projects to improve our transportation system continues, as does TxDOT’s ongoing work to maintain and operate our state’s transportation system, to include ferry operations,” McAlavy wrote in a statement issued Tuesday afternoon.
TRAVEL SAFETY
TxDOT has closed the lobbies of its 12 Travel Information Centers until further notice to help combat the threat of COVID-19. Outside restrooms will remain available at all times and will be regularly cleaned between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The safety rest areas on highways throughout the state remain open.
Travelers can also still speak with center counselors about road conditions or travel information between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Anyone can call 800-452-9292 or visit drivetexas.org to obtain road condition information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
On Saturday, TxDOT began sharing safety messages on its digital highway signs throughout the state. These messages include, “Give Xtra Space, With Each Other, And On The Road” and “Hands Clean, 2 Beat Covid-19, Be on TX Team.”
“These are short, easyto-read messages to help reinforce the importance of preventing the spread of the virus,” McAlavy noted.