In a release issued March 17, TxDOT officials stated the department has taken several steps since Friday, March 13 to help reduce risk for its employees and the public.
"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 is postponing or canceling its in-person public hearings and gatherings through April 3," the release states. "That date is subject to change."
The cancellations exclude the Texas Transportation Commission meeting March 26, 2020, which will be addressed separately. The release added that 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," the release states. "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-5 p.m. The safety rest areas on highways throughout the state remain open. These provide important rest stops for drivers."
CTRMA has also issued a statement regarding its response to COVID-19, declaring that it is closely monitoring the pandemic in both Williamson and Travis counties.
"We hope to minimize the impact and will strive to keep our call and response times as short as possible for our customers while taking whatever precautions deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees," a representative for the Mobility Authority stated. "One specific change we want to share is that we will be closing our walk-up customer service locations at the TxTAG and Cofiroute offices, effective close of business Thursday."
For more information from TxDOT, travelers may also still speak with the department's center counselors about road conditions or travel information between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. by calling 800-452-9292 or visiting http://drivetexas.org to obtain road condition information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
