During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday night, several residents voiced their concerns about the intersection of Highway 19 and Airport Road. Although the topic was not on the agenda, speakers in the public forum highlighted the tragic impacts this “blinking light” intersection has had on their families.
Currently, the intersection is managed by a two-way stop system, with cross traffic on Airport Road yielding to traffic on Highway 19. Southbound vehicles on Highway 19 experience a speed limit drop from 65 mph to 60 mph just before the intersection. However, many residents report that large trucks and other vehicles frequently exceed this speed limit. This high-speed traffic presents significant challenges, as limited sight lines hinder drivers' ability to safely cross five lanes of fast-moving traffic on Airport Road.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), whose local office is situated less than half a mile from the intersection, holds the authority to install a four-way traffic light. This new traffic signal would be maintained and operated by TxDOT, which currently oversees the existing two-way stop system.
As the intersection lies within the city limits, local police have the option to enhance patrols in the area to enforce speed limits. The city collaborates closely with TxDOT, given that many state highways intersect within the city limits and are connected to city streets equipped with traffic lights.
Residents attending the October City Council meeting expressed their commitment to continuing to advocate for changes at future meetings, hoping for a resolution between the city of Sulphur Springs and TxDOT to improve safety at this critical intersection.
