(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – With its high rate of fatal crashes and pedestrian accidents – due to no signalized crosswalks, heavy traffic and complex interchanges, former high rates of speed – Loop 12 has been labeled the deadliest roadway in Dallas.
Over the last five years, 116 fatalities and more than 510 collisions causing serious injuries have taken place on Loop 12, TxDOT and the city of Dallas reported.
State Sen. Royce West hosted the first town hall meeting to address the safety issues on May 9.
“With knowing what I have learned about certain stretches of Loop 12/Ledbetter Drive in Oak Cliff, extending through parts of Southeast Dallas and Pleasant Grove, I could not sit by while drivers, passengers and even pedestrians continue to be placed at risk due to excessive speeds and questionable road conditions,” West said. “I, along with other officials have been involved in this matter for most of the year. It’s time to let the community know their concerns are not being ignored.”
In September, Dallas City Council voted to reduce the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph along sections of Loop 12 – from I-35E to US175/Hawn Freeway. The Council has also worked with TxDOT and DART on additional plans that include improving lighting and relocating bus stops. All parties agree that plans should include increased visibility and traffic patrol by local law enforcement agencies.
West held a second town hall meeting on Oct. 15, where he asked the Texas Department of Transportation, the city of Dallas Transportation Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to develop plans to reduce the number of accidents and pedestrian deaths along Loop 12.
District 4 Dallas City Councilmember Carolyn King Arnold committed early on to the joint effort that included her district.
“With this current endeavor that focuses on driving behaviors and pedestrian safety, it is imperative that we strengthen our commitment to the Dallas 365 Safe Initiative previously approved by the Council,” Arnold said. “Dallas 365 looks at quality of life issues in neighborhoods across the city with an overall goal of improving public safety. I am glad to see this collaboration of public entities come together to help save lives.”
On Friday morning, a meeting to update the public on recent measures to improve safety along sections of Loop 12/Ledbetter Drive in Southern Dallas was presented by West and Arnold during a news conference. They were joined by Michael Igo, interim chief of police for the Dallas Police Department.
It was announced that the city has worked with TxDOT to place speed feedback signs in various locations along Loop 12.
Two important changes included more street signs and signals. Traffic signals will be installed in 16 strategic locations over the next 18 months. Additionally, speed limits were painted directly onto the pavement for better visibility.
DART will relocate or remove up to 40 bus stops to better align them with controlled road crossings and intersections.
Concerned about losing even one more life, Arnold warned pedestrians of the dangers of jaywalking across 6-lane roads that are actually highways.
Igo said the number of citations issued on Loop 12 in 2023 and 2024 has increased, in hopes of changing driving behaviors. Moreover, DPD also plans to increase traffic enforcement. NCTCOG will pinpoint funding to assist with traffic enforcement and improve lighting along Loop 12.