October 2, 2024 – Several people spoke at the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday night, pleading with city officials about the intersection of Highway 19 & Airport Road. Although not an agenda item for the council, residents spoke during public forum on the issue explaining how their families have been affected by the tragedies occuring at the “blinking light” intersection. Currently, the intersection is controlled by cross traffic on Airport Road having to stop to yield to traffic traveling on Highway 19. Southbound traffic traveling on State Highway 19 have a speed limit decrease from 65mph to 60mph just before the intersection, but those that travel that road daily observe large trucks and other vehicles consistently exceeding those limits. The fast moving cross traffic allows for very little time for drivers to act and react. Limited sight lines for those crossing the highway complicate the issue as those continuing on Airport Road must cross five lanes of traffic to traverse the roadway.
Ultimately, TxDOT, whose local office is less than one-half mile from the intersection, would be the decision maker of the intersection receiving a proper traffic light (four-way controlled). Also, TxDOT would install, operate, and maintain a new traffic signal, as they currently maintain the two-way system that is in place now.
As the intersection sits inside the city limits of Sulphur Springs, local police could step up patrols on the roadway in an attempt to slow the traffic flow down to it’s intended speed limit. Also, the city works hand-in-hand with TxDOT as many state highways disect through the city limits as well as cross city streets which have traffic lights. Hopefully, a resolution between the city of Sulphur Springs and TxDOT can be reached. Those residents in attendance at the October City Council meeting expect to be at future meetings.
