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Bridge staff preview enforcement changes, signage plan and waiting-time sensors
Summary
Bridge staff reported progress on a U-turn reduction campaign, enforcement strategies including possible fines and suspensions for repeat offenders, a $23,166 truck-signage plan with TxDOT, and a pending border waiting-time sensor agreement awaiting TxDOT signature.
Bridge Department staff updated the advisory committee on multiple operational items, including enforcement for repeat improper U-turns, a truck-signage purchase and installation plan with TxDOT, and the status of border-waiting-time sensors.
Staff said the August U-turn reduction campaign reduced U-turns to 121 for that month; September showed a slight rise to 127 total U-turns. The Bridge Department reported a total of $15,212 collected in insufficient-fund fines for the month, a $961.25 increase from August.
To curb repeat infractions, staff said they plan an education-first approach using banners, flyers and outreach in the next fiscal year, followed by graduated penalties if education does not work — including first-, second- and third-offense fees and possible suspension for companies that repeatedly fail to maintain required auto-replenish or payment information. The police were asked to consider issuing traffic citations for recurring offenses; one participant warned that citing drivers rather than companies could unfairly penalize individual drivers whose employers fail to maintain accounts.
“I'm not sure it's the driver's fault if his boss does not have money on the account,” an industry representative said, urging the committee to focus enforcement on companies rather than individual drivers.
On signage, staff described a TxDOT-reviewed plan for multiple signs on I-69 and in the horseshoe approach: two large overhead gantry signs, two smaller overhead signs (English and Spanish), and ground-mounted signs. The total cost the Bridge Department would pay for the TxDOT-specified signs is $23,166, staff said. TxDOT will provide specification review and donated gantry space, but the donation agreement is under legal review.
Staff also reported the border waiting-time sensor project was approved by council and is pending the TxDOT/third-party signature; because the agreement has not been finalized, sensors have not yet been mounted.
Other operational items presented included a new bridge-tour application and a bridge-closure application and policy (see separate item) that will require 60 days' advance notice for closures and include indemnity language. Staff said applications and procedures will be posted on the City of Laredo Bridge Department website once legally finalized.
Committee members asked for printed reports and visuals to be distributed before meetings; staff said meeting materials would be emailed in advance and printed when requested.
