New Hopkins County Area Engineer with TxDOT, Brad Martin, visits with Sonya Clayton, concerning the
intersection at the new Highway-11 extension and Arbala Road, following Tuesday night's City Council Meeting.

 

Citizens Voice Concern Over Perils
at Intersection of Hwy-11 and Arbala Road

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

After accepting the new duties of Hopkins County, native Hopkins County TxDOT Area Engineer, Brad Martin, got an immediate "welcome to duties" at Tuesday night's City Council Meeting, concerning the perils that exist at the intersection of Highway-11 and Arbala Road, once the new highway has been opened. First, City Councilman, Chris Brown addressed the problem, during the Council Meeting, and then during the "public forum" section of the meeting two concerned citizens brought the dangers to the forefront again.

"We haven't even completed the project yet," expressed Brad Martin, New Area Engineer for TxDOT, who has recently assumed the duties of Hopkins County. "I live in Hopkins County, and was reared here, so naturally I'm concerned, if there is a problem. But, we've installed temporary flashing signs and other signage on Arbala Road, encouraging caution at the intersection. And, once the project is complete, we'll do a study to see if an additional 'four-way stop' or flashing lights are needed."

Brown thanked Martin and promised that the City Council would draft a letter asking for the study and something to be done about the problem.

The problem existing at the intersection is 60 mph traffic traveling on Highway-11 and many on Arbala Road thinking the intersection is a four-way stop.

 

 

 

"It's just a an accident waiting to happen!" expressed Sonya Clayton, who gave examples of the danger, during the public forum section of the meeting. "I've had a father, brother, and cousin, all killed in automobile accidents on that road, and I witnessed an elderly gentleman almost get broadsided this week!"

"What has to happen to get something done to prevent someone getting killed?" asked Clayton. "If it takes a petition or other action, I'm offering my assistance in doing something to prevent a major accident at this intersection. A bad wreck is just waiting to happen!"

Meanwhile, Gordon Frazier, who identified himself as a resident of the immediate area of the intersection, echoed Clayton's concerns, "We've already witnessed about 30 accidents at the intersection and people out of habit are failing to stop at the intersection, when they are traveling Arbala Road. Something is going to have to be done, or someone is going to get killed at the location. I encourage everyone to 'be careful' when traveling through this intersection!"

Martin continued to meet with Clayton, Councilman Brown, and Frazier, following the meeting, as they discussed possible resolutions to the problem.

"This is one of those 'kinks' that has to be worked out once a new roadway is opened to traffic," expressed Martin. "And, we'll see what we can do, to prevent an accident! I've gotten a real homecoming, with the opening of this highway!"

Meanwhile, if you are traveling Highway-11 pass the Arbala Road intersection, please use extreme caution, when approaching the area! It doesn't matter who is right in an accident, you can be just as dead and have the right-of-way!

 

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