Questions About the Bypass

To the editor:

I just have a question as to why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) intends to spend upwards of $200 million dollars to build a new bypass around the Bluff for 18 wheeler vehicles when they are redoing the intersection of Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 77 for wider turning?

Has TxDOT considered putting up new lower speed signs before Korts Korner and additional lower MPH signs prior to getting to Korts Korner, plus additional curve signs ahead? I have used my own personal vehicle, which is just a Tahoe, and went by the current mileage signs and approached the Bluff going north, and it is nearly impossible to maneuver a proper descent. Now imagine doing this with an 18 wheeler loaded behind you … almost impossible. That is why there are so many collisions, turnovers, and damaged properties on the Bluff. Maybe consider placing additional signs on the north end prior to the bridge for 18 wheelers traveling south … it is not easy to manage the turns at a high speed. It is my belief that this would be worth a try before buying up valuable land for a bypass that may take years to build and not be used (like the one at Hostyn turnoff).

In addition, it may be worth it to paint the concrete wall to appear to be a rock wall as it was before it was replaced by the dull concrete. That was the beauty of the Bluff for so many years.

Just a thought from a local citizen.

Carol J. Svrcek La Grange