Concerns About Safety on Highway 159

Folks who travel on SH 159 between La Grange and Rutersville are raising concerns about a spate of recent crashes.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) upgraded several drainage structures on that stretch of highway recently. They also installed large yellow waterfilled barriers along the bridges. Several of those traffic devices have been struck in crashes, despite their bright color.

Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Jamie Moreau said she recently spoke with TxDOT about the issue.

“I’ve gotten calls from local folks and I reached out to TxDOT,” Moreau said. “I was impressed with their quick response. They said they are aware of the recurring issues and plan to make some changes including implementing a 45-mile per hour speed limit in the construction area and better signage.”

The Record reached out to TxDOT as well this week, but they had not responded in time for this publication. We also spoke with Sgt. Darryl Tidwell of the Texas Department of Public Safety, who heads up the State Trooper office in Fayette County.

“I think there’s an uptick in crashes all around the county,” Tidwell said..

Tidwell said the vast majority of crashes in Fayette County occur on Interstate 10, SH 71 and US 77. Accordingly, he said, the State Troopers focus more on those areas.

“Driving is one of the most dangerous things people do day in and day out,” Tidwell said. We take it for granted, and people feel comfortable and protected in their vehicles. The reality is, the laws of physics affect everyone.”

Tidwell said he organized two traffic enforcement task forces in Fayette County over the past month. The first one involved 15 additional troopers who worked traffic enforcement in Fayette County over the course of a day. He said the County only had one wreck that day. During the second task force, he said troopers issued 250 citations over the course of two days. The County did not experience a single crash during that time, he said.

“It was a combined effort with the County and the police departments in La Grange, Schulenburg and Flatonia,” Tidwell said. “The visibility and active patrolling – it puts a reminder in everyone’s mind to pay attention to the roadway.”

Tidwell said he is working to get additional troopers stationed in Fayette County. He hopes to have a few in place before the end of the year.