February 1, 2017 - A section of US 59 coming out of Timpson had a speed limit change approved last year and the new signs indicating the new speed of 50mph and 65mph.
Rhonda Oaks, TxDOT Lufkin District Public Information Officer, reported, "The speed limit change in Timpson was the result of a speed study that we do when there is an area of concern. The speed study was requested by the City of Timpson and was performed in July and August of 2016."
TxDOT extended the current 50mph zone that ended just east of US 84 to the west of Timpson City Limits. The speed limit of this section was 60mph. The speed study showed that the reduction in speed that the City requested was warranted and an ordinance was passed by the city in August 2016.
Oaks advised the next phase of the speed change process, "The state then in turn had to pass a buffer zone of 65mph for .2 miles between the 50mph and 75mph zone because we can’t have a speed change of more than 15mph that meet. The Texas Transportation Commission passed a Minute Order setting the new speed limit on October 27, 2016. Once that is done, the new signs are ordered, built and sent to local districts. Our maintenance department in Shelby County recently placed the new signs."
She also advised local law enforcement can now begin enforcement since the signs are set.
