Beginning this fall, the department will install a traffic signal at the intersection of SH 105 and the US 69 frontage road. For those of you who don't travel this section of highway, it is a four-way stop with LOTS of congestion during rush-hour traffic.
For many years, the intersection has worked quite well with stop signs. But with heavier traffic coming in on SH 105, engineers have decided a traffic signal would work much more efficiently. The new signal will really help out when Concord Road is widened from Lucas to US 69.
Allstate Signal & Construction, LLC was the low bidder. Work begins early this fall at a cost of about $183,000.
The light at this intersection will work only if it is timed right! I have seen so many times that a light only makes the intersection traffic worse because it is too short or too long. For instance, the light at Dowlen and Old 105 is horrible. The traffic there is bad both ways all the time and I think it is because of the timing and lots of traffic. (I know TXDOT does not have anything to do with that light) I am just using this as an example. So I hope TXDOT will monitor it regularly to make sure the timing is right! ":P)
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct about the signal timing. It will be very important to make sure it's timed correctly, especially when Concord is widened to that intersection. The City of Beaumont is repsonsible for signal timing. However, for what it's worth, we meet with city officials on a regular basis to address transportation issues. We'll make sure to monitor.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!
We still do not know what end of Cocord will be the beginning point for widening. I hope it is the end near 105. It will help with the flow of traffic to Parkdale mall. Why spend money on sidewalks few people will use?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post! As for the starting point, this is something that will be determined at the preconstruction meeting with the contractor. The first order of business (usually) is the drainage. Once that is installed, the more "exciting" part of the project begins.
ReplyDeleteAs for sidewalks, that is a call by the federal government. Since the entire project involves federal funding, the City of Beaumont (who is responsible for the project) is mandated to install sidewalks. The bottom line: no sidewalks, no Concord Road project.
TxDOT will be responsible for the inspection of the project to ensure everything is built according to the plans.
Hope that helps. If not, shoot us a comment or an email.
Enjoy the New Year!
I agree about the stop lights. Backup onto the freeway will be terrible. Traffic should have to get off and onto the access road earlier. There will probably be no early solution. It will take the Concord road widening to take some of the traffic off the access road. As to the sidewalks, the government knows how to wasteour tax dollars.
ReplyDeleteThe City of Beaumont will be handling the timing of the signals to keep traffic from backing up onto the main lanes. Backups on US 69 are the last thing we want. We'll work closely with the city to make sure everything is tweaked. However, make sure to let us know if there is a problem. Besides our regular inspections, we rely on motorists to give us info to help traffic flow.
DeleteI notice they are clearing off property at the point of Concord and 105 to build on. What will that be, part of the road?
ReplyDeleteNot sure what the plans are for that property. Might want to check with the City of Beaumont. In the meantime, I will check to see if I can find out anything.
ReplyDeleteMarc S.
I appreciate this information, and that you really read the comments! --Thanks again
ReplyDeleteThanks! While we don't get to comments as quickly as we would like, we definitely like to respond. Let me know if you have any questions.
ReplyDeleteMarc S.