San Patricio County officials are taking steps to enhance road safety following a recent request for speed control measures on County Road 1876 in the Odumbeestel Estates area. During the Commissioner's Court meeting on July 28, 2025, Commissioner Ruben Gonzalez proposed the installation of speed bumps or humps to address safety concerns in the community.
The discussion highlighted the need for a thorough approach before implementing such measures. County officials emphasized the importance of conducting a speed study to establish current traffic speeds on the road, which currently lacks posted speed limits. This study will serve as a baseline to determine whether speed control devices are warranted.
John, a representative from the county's traffic management team, explained the distinctions between speed bumps and speed humps, noting that speed humps are designed for roadways with speed limits under 35 miles per hour. He cautioned against the indiscriminate placement of speed bumps throughout the county, citing potential liability issues and the need for adherence to the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
The court agreed on the necessity of a speed study and the importance of consulting with local Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The discussion also pointed to the need for a formal policy regarding the installation of speed control devices, which would provide guidance for future requests.
As the county moves forward with these plans, residents can expect a more structured approach to traffic safety, aimed at reducing speeds and enhancing the overall safety of their roadways. The next steps will involve conducting the speed study and engaging with TxDOT to assess the feasibility of the proposed speed control measures.