CLAUDE, Texas (KFDA) – TxDOT has made several safety improvements along State Highway 207 and FM 1151 in Claude as traffic increases from data center construction off Lima Road.
Highway 207 is a two-lane road that carries traffic through Claude. The increase in vehicles traveling to and from the construction site has contributed to a rise in wrecks.
Armstrong County Sheriff Melissa Anderson said the county previously saw about two to three wrecks a month. That number has increased to as many as two to three wrecks per day.
Jason Britsch, public information officer for TxDOT, says the agency is communicating with county and data center officials about traffic conditions and potential improvements.
TxDOT has reduced speed limits along Highway 207 and FM 1151. The agency has also funded radar trailers to show drivers their speed and repainted roadway striping to improve lane visibility.
“We’re going to stay in constant communication with those boots on the ground. With the people that drive those roads every day, and work with those state agencies and municipalities on what they’re seeing, what they like, what they don’t like,” said Britsch. “So that way we can stay in that communication with them and make any further adjustments as needed.”
TxDOT recently worked with the data center developer to add a turn-only lane for traffic traveling to and from the construction site.
The changes come as Claude ISD begins a new school year.
Classes started August 20, adding school traffic to roads already seeing an increase in vehicles.
Claude ISD Superintendent Brent Kirkland, says the safety of students and families is the district’s top priority.
A new school zone has been established on FM 1151. Kirkland is asking drivers to follow reduced speed limits and watch for stopped traffic and pedestrians.
“With the recent surge in traffic throughout the area, the safety of our students and families is our top priority. As we return to school, we encourage families and student drivers to keep the following in mind:
We appreciate the community’s patience, caution, and cooperation as we work together to keep our students safe on the roads this school year.”
The heaviest traffic is between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. and again between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
TxDOT says it will continue monitoring traffic conditions and working with local officials to determine whether additional changes are needed.
Officials with the data center say construction could continue for up to two years.
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