Workers with the Texas Department of Transportation set up message boards near the intersection of FM 69 and State Highway 11 on Wednesday, June 15.
On Monday, TxDOT officials had announced work to create a four-way stop at the intersection would be set for July 6, weather permitting.
In addition to the message boards, the workers were also planning to lay the concrete foundation for the “stop ahead” signs, the first phase in converting the intersection to an all-way stop. The intersection will be used to slow traffic; allowing TxDOT to perform a speed study. The national study will further address the needs of the community to help improve traffic safety overall.
Many residents seem to be wary of the all-way stop, overwhelmed by the many traffic accidents that have occurred in the past. “I can’t count how many accidents I have witnessed,” mentioned one Como resident. Others are hopeful the stop signs will improve the situation, regardless if it is an issue in the beginning. “It will be a mess for awhile until people get used to it,” stated another resident.
For years, the community has dealt with many violent traffic issues pervading Highway 11 and the residents of Como are hurting. They have experienced multiple fatalities, one of which hit way too close to home. A family in Como lost their 16-year-old daughter. Following their loss, they wasted no time in contacting State Representative of House District 2, Ryan Slaton, demanding safer roads in the community.
Between the city limits of Como, there is a problem with signage along State Highway 11. The speed limit signs are inconsistent and cause a lot of confusion. The Mayor of Como has already stated the speed limit is too high. In resolution, TxDOT and Hopkins County Commissioners have come up with a three step plan to improve road safety - engineering, law enforcement and education.
Beginning on July 6, TxDOT will initiate the first phase out of three, in order to help improve the traffic issues in Como. The short term plan will involve the installation of an allway stop, including rumble strips, “stop ahead” signs and “intersection ahead” signs with flashing beacons. “We will be installing red flashing lights,” said Tim McAlavy, Public Information Officer of TxDOT.
In an interview with McAlavy, he stated it is normal for people to fear the worst when changes like these are made, but statistically changes like this work out for the best. “If you look at the accidents at that intersection, based on the police reports we’ve seen, most of the accidents are caused by speeding and limited visibility at the intersection,” said McAlavy. He noted, “it will probably take a while to adjust to the change, but it’s normal - we urge everyone to slow down when they go through Como.”
The mid term plan will include the speed study; hoping to show speed limit consistency by the first year from Como to Winnsboro. The city will then pass a no parking ordinance and install no parking signs, enforcing those signs as well. The long term plan, a maximum of three to five years, will be dedicated to widening South Highway 11 between Farm Road 69 North and South to include a continuous two-way lefthand turning lane while eliminating the eastbound shoulder at Joe Bob’s to deter wrong way parking.
McAlavy followed up, stating, “this is what the community wants and we hope it will rectify the situation.”
In the meantime, motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also be prepared to encounter rough pavement and brief traffic delays, and should avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact Tim.McAlavy@txdot.gov or call 903-737- 9213.