New I-10 Detour Routes

Cleanup efforts just west of Beaumont could keep Interstate 10 closed near FM 365 through at least the middle of this week. Emergency crews continue to work removing a tanker full of chemicals from an 18-wheeler damaged in a Sunday morning wreck.

The wreck has closed both directions of the interstate near FM 365 between Winnie and Beaumont. TxDOT has established the following detours for I-10 traffic:

• Westbound I-10: US 90 (College Street) west to SH 61 in Devers, back to I-10.
• Eastbound I-10:  SH 73 to I-10 east

Expect long delays on portions of the interstate as well as US 90, SH 73 and SH 124. The Texas Department of Public Safety and Jefferson County Emergency Management officials are in charge of the wreck and cleanup.

Marc S.

I-10 Wreck Video

What kept you tied up in traffic along I-10 in Jefferson County all day today?

An 18-wheeler carrying a hazardous (and highly flammable) material wrecked early Sunday around 4 a.m. near Hamshire Road. Emergency responders immediately closed both east and westbound lanes of the highway. They later evacuated residences in a one and a half mile radius.

KTRK-13 in Houston was able to get some aerial shots of the wreck site. Click on the video above to see what you couldn't see from the highway.

Meanwhile, the highway remains closed so emergency crews can remove the material from the damaged tanker. It's a long and tedious process. TxDOT expects the interstate to be closed at least until early Monday morning.

Marc S.

So you think you know about traffic....

Moving people from one place to another isn't as simple as it seems. Ask any traffic management expert and you will soon discover that managing traffic is not only a science, it's an art.

I could write a rather lengthy article on the subject. However, here's a link to a Wall Street Journal article that explains what works...and what doesn't...in the world of traffic operations:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453921039632134.html?KEYWORDS=traffic

The writer goes into some really good material explaining why some methods of handling congestion just don't work as some may think.

While we can make some changes in the way traffic is handled, it looks as if congestion is here to stay.

Safe driving,
Marc S.

I-10 wreck causes delays

You might want to stay away from I-10 between Beaumont and Winnie in Jefferson County. No, you WILL want to stay away.

Emergency responders have closed all east and westbound lanes at Hamshire Road due to a wreck involving hazardous chemicals.

Police say the highway might remain closed for 24 hours as hazmat crews try to contain the material from the 18-wheeler.

Meanwhile, expect some long delays.

The wreck took place around 4 this morning. We'll keep you updated.

Marc S.

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It's back to school - please respect and obey school zones.
Our children depend on it. For more information, visit
www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/pedestrians.htm

A very REAL traffic jam

You just thought your morning commute was bad.

However, imagine being stuck in a traffic jam for nine days. Yes, your read correctly; nine days and counting. That even beats Houston's daily traffic nightmare.

The 62-mile traffic jam stretches between Beijing and Jining city in China. In our part of the world, that would be about the distance from Winnie to Houston.

It began last week after a spike in heavy truck traffic. Five days later, the government began a road repair project. Needless to say, the congestion got even worse. A perfect storm on the traffic congestion front.

China's growing economy is creating a burden on a transportation system that just can't keep up with the demands. While nothing compared to China, the Lone Star State is seeing somewhat of the same issue. Texas' economy and population is growing at a pace the transportation system can't keep up with. While we will see more congestion on highways, our crystal ball doesn't show any 62-mile traffic jams.

For more information on the ongoing traffic jam, check out the following link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100823/sc_afp/chinaroadtraffic

Congestion free driving,
Marc S.

Solar Highways??

Could a solar-powered highway be in your future?

A group of engineers are working on a concept to build solar highways. Yes, highways made of solar panels.

It's a fairly simple concept that, if successful, could revolutionize everything from transportation to your internet access.

The above video tells it all.

Happy driving,
Marc S.

West Port Arthur Road Signalization

One signal that has been flashing red for quite some time is the signal at the intersection of FM 365 and West Port Arthur Road in Port Arthur. The one question we are continually asked is, 'When will it become operational?'

Good question.

The signal was installed some time ago to help regulate the heavy amount of traffic on both West Port Arthur Road and FM 365. It currently operates as a flashing red signal. However, this signal is a bit different than most others in that it's located next to a railroad track.

That means the signal must correspond and operate in conjunction with the railroad crossing signals. This simply means that the crossing notifies the signal that a train is coming. The traffic signal is designed to switch and give a green light to traffic on FM 365. It's basically a safety issue. Nobody wants to be stuck on the railroad track when a train is coming simply because the signal is red.

To make all of this happen TxDOT is working with the railroad company. The railroad must bore under the tracks and connect with the traffic signal. Once the railroad completes its responsibility, then the signal will start operating as a normal signal.

No word from the railroad as to when they will do their work. We'll keep you updated as things change.

Safe Driving,
Marc S.

New Project Page!

Looking for more information on your favorite project? Perhaps you are just wanting to keep up-to-date on a construction project.

Make sure to check out the new Project Page on the navbar on top of the page just below to banner.

It's not a complete listing of projects in our district. However, it will give you a good idea as to where your tax dollars are going. We are working to add more projects to the list including photographs and videos dedicated to specific projects.

And coming soon, an interactive map with all project locations! It's still in the works. So, we need your ideas as to what information you would like to see on the map.

Click on the "Projects" page and see what is happening in the Beaumont District.

Enjoy the weekend.
Marc S.

What do you think?

How do you get around Texas?

Earlier this summer TxDOT held a series of 27 public meetings around the state, including one here in Southeast Texas. The "Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035" meetings asked Texans to help plan their transportation system for the next 25 years. If you attended the meeting, you were given the opportunity to give us your opinions, ideas and travel habits. The results are in.

How do you commute to work/school?
78%   Personal Vehicle
2%     Driven by Another Person in a Personal Vehicle
2%     Public Transit
3%     Bike/Walk
12%  Multiple modes/Other
3%    Do not commute, No Response

As for the overall state's transportation system, more than 50% rated all the problems listed below as "Critical" and/or "Very Important".

Congestion and delays
Potholes
Limited Public Transportation Service
Lack of Alternative Modes of Travel
Lack of Travel Options between Cities
Unsafe/Narrow Roads
Pedestrian and/or Bicycle Safety

Your input is critical. The data collected will be used by state transportation planners in determining how to meet your needs.

And if you missed the last open house style public meeting, you still have a change. In fact, TxDOT his holding another meeting this Tuesday evening at TxDOT's District Headquarters, 8350, Eastex Freeway in Beaumont. The "open house" style meeting takes place from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. It's a come-and-go style meeting. So, just show up when you can.

During the meeting, you'll be able to watch a video about transportation issues and view quite a few displays showing where the department expects congestion in the next couple of decades.

Despite what you may have read, you will be able to make comments to TxDOT planners and other staff members. There just won't be a formal presentation for people to approach a microphone and make statements. In fact, it's better this way: You will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one and share your concerns.

You will also be given the opportunity to fill out a survey asking for your thoughts and ideas. Make sure to fill it out. Your ideas count. And if you attended the last meeting, well, come on back. We'll be happy to see some familiar faces.

Happy Driving,
Marc S.

Womack turnaround to temporarily close

Contract workers will temporarily close the u-turn on the west side of Womack Road along the I-10 frontage road this weekend. The two day closure is to allow workers to begin demolishing a portion of the Womack Overpass.

Beginning Saturday morning (August 7), workers will close the u-turn to all traffic as crews remove beams and concrete. The closure will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Eastbound frontage road traffic can use Business US 90 to Womack Road and then continue using the frontage road on the east side of the railroad tracks.

TxDOT coordinated the closure with local businesses on the westbound frontage road to accommodate their shift changes and needs.

The department is reminding motorists to pay careful attention in the work zone and to allow for extra travel time. Interstate 10 traffic should not be affected by the closure.

The work is part of a $36 million effort to rebuild the interstate between SH 62 and Adams Bayou. Williams Brothers Construction Company is the project contractor.

Safe Driving,
Marc S