TxDOT asks the public suggestions on increasing safety to HWY 82

According to a TX-DOT study, the stretch of highway from FM 1417 to the Cooke County line has seen a higher percentage of fatal or severe injury crashes than the statewide average. It's considered one of the most dangerous corridors in Grayson county, and in the state of Texas, according to recent TXDOT studies. TX-DOT says they've experienced over 400 crashes over a five-year period.

TX-DOT held a public meeting Wednesday night, to get the opinions of residents and business owners along the stretch of highway 82.

Tim Mcalavey with Texas Department of Transportation said it's an aging roadway, and was designed during a time of less traffic.

"Today it carries more trucks more cars.. at higher rates of speed," McAlavey said.

He said TX-DOT is working with a consultant to develop a series of plans to ultimately improve the safety.

McAlavey said they're looking for any kind of input from the community now, before determining the next steps of the process. He said there's no set funding, but McAlavey said the money would be coming from Fuel taxes.

Dennis Stengel showed up to the public meeting Monday night. He and his family live on one of the most dangerous intersections along the stretch of highway, State Highway 289 and 82.

He says the on and off ramps, stop signs, and driveways leading to the highway have caused over a half dozen of accidents he's seen over the years.

"Traffic going north at 70 miles an hour, and you've got very little time to cross over," Stengel said. "If you look this way.. by the time you look that way, if you're not careful you're gonna get hit."

If you're interested in sharing your ideas on how to make the highway safer, the next meeting is Thursday night at S&S Middle School, at 5:30. Or you can go online to TXDOT.COM