TxDOT to consider lowering speed limit on 183 north

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GONZALES — Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials are currently looking into a resolution from county commissioners that, if approved, will serve to lower the speed limit at a location north of town that has been the site of recent car crashes.

During Monday’s commissioner’s court meeting, County Judge David Bird drew up a resolution to reduce the speed limit on Highway 183 North near County Road 244 (near the Benny Boyd car dealership) from 70 mph to 55 mph.

“There have been quite a few wrecks in that area,” Bird told commissioners. “We’ve asked for turning lanes out there as well. I think this might help.”

The most recent collision in the area occurred on Feb. 13, and resulted in two people being taken to Gonzales Memorial Hospital. They were reported to have sustained non-capacitating injuries.

TxDOT traffic engineer Camille Marek spoke with Bird on Tuesday about the specifics of the resolution. She noted in a report that while commissioners are supporting the lowering of the speed limit, they don’t actually have the authority to do so themselves. Once TxDOT receives a copy of the resolution, they will schedule a speed study to be performed at that location.

“We will also look at crash statistics for the past five years,” TxDOT spokesman Andrew Carlson said. “Based on this information, we will adjust speed limits if warranted.”

Carlson said the study will likely be performed within the next 30-60 days.

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