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Bowmont unveils traffic-signal overhaul plan as I‑10 construction increases local crashes
Summary
Public works staff told council Bowmont’s 172 signals face rising demand from traffic diverted off I‑10; the city plans adaptive signal upgrades on major corridors and is pursuing TexDOT grants, though some projects depend on external approvals and hardware procurement timelines that put full operation as early as 2027.
Bowmont — The city’s public works director told council on Monday that changes in traffic patterns caused by I‑10 construction have worsened congestion and raised crashes, prompting a multi-pronged response centered on signal-timing updates and adaptive technology.
“We are managing an interconnected grid,” Public Works Director Molly Veril said in a presentation explaining how modern signal systems work and why localized problems can ripple through the network. Mr. Terry Laflur joined to answer detailed operational questions.
Veril said the city operates 172 signalized intersections and is pursuing adaptive-signal software for major arterials — including Fourth Street, College Street and Major Drive — as part of a phased rollout tied to grant awards and TexDOT cooperation. She told council the MLK corridor adaptive installation is pending execution of an HSIP agreement with TexDOT valued at about $850,000; if TexDOT approves promptly, implementation could occur in 2027.
Council members pressed staff on hotspot intersections. At Fourth Street and Finette Road — a six‑leg intersection that has seen increased cut‑through traffic — staff said they are evaluating a protected left‑turn phase and said the location is an “ideal candidate” for a roundabout but cautioned that a roundabout would require extensive study and community engagement.
Staff also cited operational disruptors such as failing detectors, camera glare at sunrise or sunset, power outages, railroad preemptions and driver behavior. “We have had roughly about a 40 percent increase in crashes,” staff said when summarizing the system‑wide effect of nearby freeway construction.
What it means: The city described a mix of near‑term fixes (camera replacements, timing adjustments, targeted enforcement) and longer projects (adaptive software, hardware upgrades and corridor-level re‑timing) that will require both city funding and external approvals. Several projects are under construction or awaiting grant execution.
Next steps: Staff will continue targeted intersection evaluations, pursue grants for adaptive signaling, and ask council to consider further budget or procurement steps as agreements and awards are confirmed.
(Quotes and characterizations drawn from Public Works Director Molly Veril and traffic operations staff.)
