County Judge talks possible traffic light at Gardendale intersection following deadly crash

Here’s what it might take to get a light installed:

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID / KPEJ) The crash at FM 554 and Cottonwood Road last week has left two brothers dead and led to more safety measures being added, including rumble strips. Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett said the addition was needed after the crash.

“We had some in-house at our public works department. We got our guys on it less than 48 hours after the accident,” Fawcett said. “And then, TxDOT has graciously given us some rumble strips and we’re going to be adding those at further distances.”

The judge previously commissioned a study to see if the intersection should get a traffic signal but he said the study concluded some “metrics were not met.” The intersection currently has a two-way stop sign in one direction – but judge Fawcett said going to a traffic light would cost roughly $500,000 – as well as time.

“There is a way in which we can utilize perhaps county funds or some other funds – to actually fund this ourselves and not deal with the state in terms of funding it,” he said. “If we were to put local dollars on it, it would expedite the project.”

The judge also said that while Gardendale residents want a traffic signal, he also wants people to remember what caused the crash.

“Distracted driving can kill you,” Fawcett said. “Every second you turn to look at your phone, you could have travelled 50 yards.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.