Sheriff Campbell told the Gates County Board of Commissioners he plans to temporarily close all roads into Gatesville on Halloween evening to reduce the risk of vehicle-pedestrian collisions during trick-or-treating.

The sheriff said officers will close inbound roads at 6:00 p.m. and reopen them at about 7:45 p.m.; deputies and two fire department vehicles will block key intersections and officers will ask people to finish trick-or-treating at 7:30 p.m. so traffic can be restored on a timely schedule. Motorists will be directed to detours and county staff will place mobile message signs in advance to warn inbound travelers.

Why it matters: Deputies described multiple close calls in recent years and told the board the temporary closures are intended to prevent a serious accident during a night that can draw hundreds of pedestrians to the downtown area.

Operational details
Sheriff Campbell said signage will be installed on major approaches to Gatesville and that deputies will assist motorists who may be unaware of local closures. The sheriff also said the department will coordinate with the fire chief for use of fire apparatus to block streets and with other emergency responders to maintain access for urgent calls.

Board response
Commissioners expressed appreciation for a preemptive safety plan and asked about detour signage and how older children or teens who come to socialize would be managed. The sheriff said other events and venues in nearby areas also hold trick-or-treat activities and that participants could use those alternatives.

Ending: The sheriff said the department will proceed with operational planning and messaging and that deputies will deploy to Gatesville on Halloween to enforce the temporary closure and help direct pedestrians and motorists.