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Up until a few weeks ago, you could drive 75 MPH on I-10 between Chambers County and Beaumont. Now drivers are greeted with new signs warning them of some big changes. That speed limit has now dropped to 65 MPH.
TxDOT's Sarah Dupre says they were especially concerned about a 15-mile segment between Beaumont and Winnie.
"The crash rate along this stretch of roadway was 72% higher than other similar roadways across the state," explains Dupre.
The move didn't come without controversy. Last year, the Beaumont City Council voted against the lower speed limit. They say they heard from lots of citizens who wanted to keep it at 75.
But Dupre says it was up to TxDOT to make the final decision.
"This wasn't just an easy, simple decision to make," adds Dupre. "We looked into it, we looked at all the factors, and it really did come down to safety."
And if you drive frequently between Houston and Beaumont, even more changes are on the way. Later this year, TxDOT will begin a project in Chambers County that will widen I-10 from four lanes to six.
