The crossover on NW Loop 286 in front of Campbell’s Soup is increasingly seeing more and more wrecks, and as numbers climb the question remains; what will be done to combat this issue?
Statistics obtained by the Paris Police Department show that within that area of the Loop there have been 13 wrecks in the last 18-months; several in the past six weeks alone.
When speaking to a representative of TxDOT, they said that there is always maintenance and upgrades to the roadways each year, but when it comes to specific maintenance or changes to the Loop, a request would have to come from the city.
But the question on concerned citizens’ minds is, ‘Why is it so dangerous, and why isn’t anyone doing anything about it?’
The statistics of accidents occurring in the stretch of road in front of Campbell’s Soup is not anything new to officials, but be assured those accidents are not being ignored.
Paris City Engineer Carla Easton said that discussions between the city and TxDot, as well as Campbell’s Soup, have pre-dated her. In 2015 before her arrival to the position of City Engineer, she said she was aware of studies compiled with regards to that part of the Loop.
“The crossover at Campbell’s Soup has been on the radar for many years, and it is my understanding that the city and TxDOT have partnered in the past for improvements in the area to alleviate some of the backup caused during shift change, including installation of a right turn lane at the entrance drive,” Easton said.
“While there have not been any recent requests for modification to the intersection made by the City, we are in contact with TxDOT about such concerns on a regular basis. TxDOT is currently managing a study of all intersections around Loop 286, and they are considering design options that will improve safety and functionality for both the drivers along the loop and those traveling to/from the plant,” she added.
Speaking with a TxDOT representative recently, they advised that there are no immediate requests from the city or work orders for that section of the loop; however, they are always ensuring they are keeping up to regular maintenance as best they can.
Chief of Police Bob Hundley said crashes are going to take place at an intersection in which cross-traffic is at odds with highway speed traffic along with a high volume of traffic.
“There was a considerable amount of work done several years ago to install the right turn lane into the business and reduced speeds put into place. There was even talk about building an extension of the entrance ramp from N Main to cross over the rail and into the plant directly,” said Hundley.
However, he doesn’t recall why that plan was abandoned but it was.
While it is not unusual to install traffic lights at plant entrances, Hundley said those are costly.
“There are ways to make the intersection safer,” he further stated, “it can fall on the design and signals, but for those who use the crossover most every day, it is situational awareness.”
“You know crashes take place, be patient, and really look before entering the road. For our locals, you should anticipate the probability of someone pulling out in front of you from the plant.”
While no immediate resolution to the dangerous turn around has been planned, Easton said they will continue to monitor this crossover and others, and are happy to work with TxDOT for opportunities to improve safety along the loop.
“We do our best to keep the roads as safe as possible within our capabilities. But we do like to remind drivers to adhere to road safety, be courteous to other vehicles, and maintain the correct speed limits that are posted to help you and your family travel safety,” a representative with TXDOT said.
