PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that the Texas Transportation Commission approved speed limit changes for State Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs, Texas, in its regular monthly meeting on June 28.
In response to community concerns, TXDOT recently concluded a detailed speed study on SH 19 from Loop 301 in Sulphur Springs to State Highway 24 in Delta County. After reviewing the results of the study, TXDOT proposed a speed limit reduction and other safety measures for consideration by the commission.
The proposed speed limit reduction will lower the existing speed limit from 70 mph to 65 mph from Loop 301 to the Delta County line, and reduce the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph through Birthright. Rumble bars will also be placed on the pavement near the intersections of FM 1536, FM 1537 and FM 71 to alert drivers about upcoming roadway intersections. The new, lower speed limits will go into effect July 2, 2018, and will be accompanied by new speed limit signs.
“The citizens of Hopkins County are excited to see the positive steps that the Texas Department of Transportation has taken,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom. “These initial steps will promote the safety of the public that travel Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs all the way to the Delta County line. The Concerned Citizens of Highway 19 which met on June 19 particularly appreciate the actions of TxDOT and look forward to more safety measures being enacted in the future as soon as possible.”
TxDOT has also scheduled two future Highway Safety Improvement Program projects for SH 19 valued at more than $4 million, officials said. The first project will extend from Loop 301 in Sulphur Springs to FM 1537 and will consist of installing a passing lane, extending drainage structures, and upgrading bridge rail and metal beam guard fence.
The second project will extend from the Delta County line to SH 154 and will consist of extending and installing safety end treatments for cross drainage structures, upgrading bridge rail, and upgrading metal beam guard fence.
“The people of Hopkins County are excited that TxDOT has heard and addressed our concerns about safety on SH 19,” said Danny Evans, Hopkins County Commissioner for Precinct 4. “We appreciate the attentiveness that TxDOT has shown to our concerns and we look forward to seeing safety measures applied to SH 19.”
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