POTTSBORO, TX -- If you drive through Pottsboro regularly, you may notice that the names of some major roadways have changed in certain places. As Josh Stevenson reports, TxDOT says the reason for the changes is simple.

Where drivers heading west on FM120 had to turn north to continue on that road, now FM120 continues east, which means FM 996 west of Pottsboro is now FM120. What was FM 120 running north of Pottsboro is now state highway 289. Connecting the old road with the new is now spur 316, a short strip of road that used to be FM 120.

TxDOT assistant area engineer Noel Paramanantham says the reason for the change is simple.

“It goes in line with the convention in Texas that north-south roads have odd numbers and east-west roads are even,” said Paramanantham.

While many were aware that the new highway was open, few were aware of the name changes.

“We were aware that this was going to happen, and we are prepared. For most folks your physical address will not change, and for us it won’t be a problem, we will respond accordingly,” said Preston Fire Chief Allen Vols.

While the new road and the new titles for existing roads may bring growing pains to the area, Chief Vols says he thinks the changes will be an improvement.

“There may be more car accidents now that the new highway has been opened up, but I think it will be a good thing for motorists,” said Vols.