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Speaking before the Transportation Advocacy Group, TxDOT District Engineer Quincy Allen said they're looking at doing things differently as they design major projects like the widening of the Gulf Freeway and I-45 North.
That includes spacing out ramps and merge points so drivers won't be making last-minute decisions.
"We're going to make the transitions longer so it's smoother," explained Allen. "We're going to increase the signing and improve it so you can see there's a decision point coming up and you don't have to make a last-minute move."
And with the region's high rate of drunk driving, Allen said they've also added heightened awareness devices in spots where people tend to drive the wrong way. That includes things like red striping to indicate to drivers they're traveling into ongoing traffic.
"Yes, I wish it would disappear," said Allen of Houston's high DWI numbers. "But until we're able to help it disappear we're going to have to deal with the symptoms of the problem."
TxDOT Commissioner Laura Ryan said there also needs to be a strong educational component to keep the roads safe.
"Each and every time there is a fatality on Texas roadways multiple lives are impacted. And put yourself in the shoes of those lives."
Last year 455 people were killed in crashes in Harris County alone.
.@TxDOTCommission Laura Ryan and @TxDOTHoustonPIO Quincy Allen speak at @TAGHouston #tagTxDOT18 Address @HPMNews887 @HoustonPubMedia #hounews pic.twitter.com/RCupu1dNxL
— Gail Delaughter (@Gail_HPM) September 17, 2018
TAG Executive Director @AndreaFrench acknowledges the 2018 Mobility Partners at the State of TxDOT event. #taghouston #stateoftxdot #movehtx #houston pic.twitter.com/9Y62WNt6It
— TAG Houston (@TAGHouston) September 17, 2018
