Weekly Road Report

EVERY TRAFFIC DEATH ROBS A FAMILY AND A COMMUNITY

TxDOT urges all Texans to watch out for one another on the road

ATLANTA ­– Dozens of traffic crashes across Northeast Texas in 2021 involved pedestrians, and every death is devastating for their loved ones. This spring, as warm weather brings out pedestrians and bicyclists, TxDOT is reminding drivers why it’s important to follow traffic safety laws, including stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks.

In the Atlanta District in 2021, there were 48 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 9 fatalities and 19 serious injuries. In addition, there were 13 crashes involving bicyclists, resulting in 2 deaths.

“Failure to yield the right of way, driver inattention, and speeding were the top causes of pedestrian-involved crashes across Texas in 2021,” said Atlanta District Engineer Rebecca Wells. “We want to remind drivers that laws are there to protect us all. But, unfortunately, one life lost is too many.”

“We have a shared responsibility to every member of our community – to every family and every individual – to help reverse these trends and reduce traffic fatalities in Texas,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We’re asking all Texans to watch out for one another whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot, or a bike. Obeying traffic safety law is a critical first step.”

In 2021, 935 people died in pedestrian, and bicyclist-related traffic crashes in Texas, accounting for one out of every five of the 4,496 fatalities on state roadways. In the five years from 2017 to 2021, pedestrian fatalities from traffic crashes increased by 34%, and bicyclist fatalities increased by 58%.

TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign urges all Texans to know and follow safe driving, walking, and biking laws. That includes the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which they enacted in 2021. Named after a Texas mom who was struck and killed in a crosswalk while walking her six-year-old son to school, the law requires drivers to stop and yield the right of way to people in crosswalks. Motorists who fail to do so and cause serious injury to someone in a crosswalk can face criminal penalties.

Texas law states if you’re driving:

• Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
• When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Pass bikes at a safe distance and give bicyclists room to ride.

If you’re walking:

• Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals, including at crosswalks.
• Use sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

If you’re riding a bike:

• Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Ensure your bike has a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back at night.

TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and pedestrian and bicyclist safety initiative are critical components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media, and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

Follow TxDOT’s Atlanta District on Facebook @TxDOTAtlantaTX, Twitter @TxDOTAtlanta, and Nextdoor. 

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). The department received and processed this information as of November 15, 2022. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.

TxDOT Paris District

March 19 – March 25

Fannin, Grayson Counties

Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.

US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls, watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 main lanes is up for this construction project.

The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp is the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the US 82 eastbound Frontage Road construction and new entrance ramp. As a result, motorists must use the eastbound frontage road, continue east through the Loy Lake intersection, and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to access US 82.

Work crews have temporarily closed the eastbound US 82 exit ramp to US 75 to connect the new exit ramp to US 82 and the frontage roads. As a result, motorists traveling eastbound on US 82 must use the FM 131 / Travis Street exit (Exit 641) and follow the eastbound frontage road to access US 75.

Crews have converted the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street to an all-way stop. As a result, traffic on the frontage roads must pay attention to the advanced warning signs and new stop signs and approach the intersection prepared for a stop there.

Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic, with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.

Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. You can see a video animation of this detour at the following link.

https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ

Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. You can see a video animation of this detour at the following link.

https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4

These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. Workers have reduced road traffic on US 75 northbound frontage to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for the northbound US 75 primary traffic lane. In addition, a concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and direct lane traffic. You can view a video animation of this alignment at the following link.

https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk

For southbound US 75, crews have reduced the frontage road traffic to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 primary lane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and direct lane traffic. You can view a video animation of this alignment at the following link.

https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY

US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Also, watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews build new exit and entrance ramps. Also, watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersections as crews work on constructing new frontage road lanes.

FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. This construction project has set a reduced speed limit of 45 mph. The West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road must use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as detour routes. Teams switched the primary lane traffic to the new concrete section between Lamberth Street and SH 56. The intersection of Washington Street on the west side of FM 1417 is closed to traffic so that crews can complete the reconstruction of this intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Washington Street must use Taylor Street and Little Lane as detour routes. The Washington Street closure should last three weeks, weather permitting.

Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. Work on the rehabilitation project on Park Road 20 and the side roads within Eisenhower State Park is expected to begin on April 3.

Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the road with a hot mix surface.

US 82, Grayson County: at the Old Southmayd Road intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers lengthen the existing left-turn lanes on US 82 at the Old Southmayd Road intersection and add right-turn lanes.

SH 56 (Main Street), Grayson County: Whitesboro from Union Street to Collinsville Street. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 56 as crews work on the rehabilitation project to remove and replace the sidewalks and parking areas along the square. The contractor will work on one side at a time, with work beginning on the north side initially. During construction, the front entrances to the buildings will be temporarily closed, and customers need to enter from the rear doors. In addition, workers will require occasional road closures with a detour route to guide motorists around the project. To navigate the project, drivers must use the detour route along Union Street, Thode Street, and Collinsville Street.

 South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, crews will reduce the bridge to one lane, with traffic signals controlling traffic throughout the project, while workers build the new bridge in phases.

Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377, watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.

US 75 full-depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm each night and should reopen to traffic by 6:00 am. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.

FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121, construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway, west of SH 289, approximately four miles. The new highway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect lane shifts while workers widen the pavement and install a culvert.

US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line, watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.

US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 1417, watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

FM 121, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hot mix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

SH 56, Grayson County: from the Fannin County line to Sherman. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot milling on the roadway to remove rough spots. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

CR 1320, Fannin County: the Caney Creek Bridge is closed to traffic for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches.

FM 271, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.

FM 1550, Fannin County: from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line, watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 2645, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

FM 2029, Fannin County: from FM 1396 to FM 273, watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

FM 2554, Fannin County: from FM 273 to CR 2125, watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

Hopkins, Franklin Counties

Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.

FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews place pavement markings on the roadway.

Delta, Lamar, and Red River Counties

Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.

SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to the Texas-Oklahoma state line, watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge maintenance.

FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.

FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.

FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.

Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and place bonded concrete surfacing.

Loop 286/US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286, turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrails and perform bridge maintenance.

Loop 286 at BU 271 (Clarksville Street), Lamar County: Exit ramp from southbound Loop 286 onto BU 271. Watch for temporary exit ramp closure while crews repair the adjacent metal beam guard fence.

FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.

FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128, watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.

BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue, watch for temporary lane closures while crews install the sidewalk.

FM 411, FM 1159, FM 1699, FM 2283, US 82, and US 37, Red River County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.

FM 1499, FM 906, FM 2820, FM 79, FM 1510, US 271 North, and FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.

US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic/lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.

Hunt, Rains Counties

Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.

FM 2649, Hunt County (From IH30 to FM 1567): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor plans to begin culvert and prep right-of-way work soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area. 

CR 1032, 1031, and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridges. The contractor will begin work on CR 1031 soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.

SH 224, Hunt County: The contractor has placed the final hot mix, poured the mow strip, and installed a metal beam guard fence. Workers have completed all structural work. The contractor plans to seed and perform minor cleanup at this location and has removed barricades and opened the bridge to traffic. Please be aware of this construction, the detour route, and the workers in the area.

FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor worked on installing signs and mailboxes and began the project and stockpile cleanup. In addition, the contractor plans to form three driveways and install some delineation on the project cross culverts. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.

SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor could open the west and eastbound lanes of the SH 276 Bypass. The contractor plans to begin the removal of parts of old Business 276. Flexbase work will start on the tie-ins of the bypass and existing SH 276. Please be aware of lane closures and changes to the current traffic configuration and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.

SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor completed long line striping and placed reflective pavement markings at FM 1570 and FM 1903 intersections. Some embankment work will begin soon, and crews will work on repairing the transitions along pavement joints. The signal poles are on hold until April due to supply chain issues.

Hunt and Rains County maintenance crews will perform various sign and mailbox installations on multiple roads. Rains County crews will work seal prep patching on FM 2101 and bridge and culvert maintenance projects throughout the county. Hunt crews are addressing the removal of a turnaround at SH 24. Both teams are addressing potholes and roadway complaints. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.

TxDOT Atlanta District

March 19 – March 25

 

Bowie County 

• I-30 – From FM 989 to AR State Line, reconstructing and widening the highway, concrete paving in median
• I-30 – From FM 989 to FM 3419, an extension of frontage roads. FM 2148 closed under the I-30 bridge.
• I-30 – Westbound at Exit 207/Spur 594, ramp rehabilitation. Both westbound lanes are open, with exit & entrance ramps open.
• I-30 – Eastbound at Exit 178, US 259, ramp rehabilitation. Exit and entrance ramps closed Sunday night 3/19 – Tuesday night 3/21, from 8pm – 8am
• I-30 – Eastbound from FM 990, drainage upgrades. Traffic is limited to one lane in some areas.
• SH 8 – At Sulphur River, replacing bridges
• SH 98 – At Anderson Creek, bridge replacement, traffic is restricted to one lane, with signal lights controlling traffic through the work zone. 

Camp County 

• SL 255 – From FM 1520 to US 271, constructing a highway, County Road 2120 detoured

Cass County

• SH 8 – At Sulphur River, replacing bridges
• US 67 – Widening bridge at Jennings Slough, lanes open to traffic, seal coat scheduled
• US 59 – From 1.2 miles south of FM 2328N to 1.9 miles south of FM 2328S, resurfacing road, bridge rail improvements. Northbound lane closure

 Harrison County 

• US 59 – At I-20, replacing the bridge with US 59, traffic shifted to southbound lanes.
• I-20 – Concrete pavement repairs. Daytime lane closures
• I-20 – Bridge maintenance. Lane closures on the north frontage road at Mason Creek
• SH 43 – At Kansas City Southern Railroad in Karnack, the bridge over the railroad is widening. Roadway open
• FM 3001 – At Little Cypress Bayou Relief. Replacing bridge. Temporary traffic signals in place, lane closure with two-way traffic
• US 80 – From SL 281 to Tom Brown Parkway, installing safety barrier cable, daytime lane closures

Panola County 

• US 59 (Loop) – From Business 59 north of Carthage to US 79 east, rehabilitating highway, roadways open, seal coat scheduled.
• SH 149 – 0.8 miles south of SH 315 to US 59. Widening road

Titus County

• US 271 – At Dickson Creek, Big Slough Creek, White Oak Creek & White Oak Creek Relief, replacing bridges
• I-30 – Eastbound from FM 1734 to FM 1402, concrete pavement repair, eastbound traffic restricted to one lane, Monday – Thursday only

 Upshur County 

• US 271 – From 5.9 miles north of SH 155 to 1.5 miles north of SH 155, resurfacing road. Lane, shoulder closures
• US 80 – From Wood County line to 0.3 miles east of SH 155N, resurfacing road