Atascosa County Judge’s Report


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his week we are pleased to announce that the truck bypass is finished.  Signs are yet to come.  Many have said that this road was unnecessary.  I admit it could easily look that way.  Back to that in a moment.  The road connects from US Hwy 281 Business South and is called “Shale Road”.  It goes to CR 431 that comes out at the light at Jourdanton Pharmacy.  It is 60 feet wide in right of way and excellent for large trucks. To connect from IH37 the best way is to take the Leal Road Exit from 37, turn right on 281 Business and then left on Shale Road.  Signs are not up yet but are coming.  During the height of the last oil price, in 2014 the big trucks pouring through Pleasanton were very dangerous.  Many days I saw trucks and traffic stopped at the light at Goodwin and 2nd St and backed up all the way to the railroad tracks.  Trucks pouring through the light at Bryant and Oaklawn (97 – Sonic) where the street narrows were REALLY scary at times.  It is by the Grace of God that a truck has not lost its brakes on Oaklawn and taken out a dozen cars.

Well, the traffic is coming back.  We may be facing all of that and up to 15 Sand Mine trucks per hour, if that goes through. So on my wish list is to find a way to divert all large truck traffic around Pleasanton to the truck bypass.  If they are going through Pleasanton to get to SH97 West, or SH16 north or south, the “truck bypass” is perfect to get them there.  It will save the truckers at least 15 minutes and perhaps much more.  It only makes good sense for them to use it. Timewise, safety wise, and fuel wise. It would be a huge gain for Pleasanton residents and local traffic.  

One more thing – an unexpected positive consequence of the “bypass” – Fire Trucks and EMS transit. It has proven to be a perfect cut – through to south county from the Jourdanton area to quickly “bypass” Pleasanton and shoot straight down to SH281 Business South.  If the Pleasanton EMS or VFD is busy on a run, then the Jourdanton EMS or VFD can shoot down to Campbellton, McCoy or Fashing and cover emergency needs or to back up Pleasanton Emergency Services if the scene is too much for them to handle alone.  This is a BIG advantage for emergency services.  It is impossible to put a dollar figure on saving a life.

Finally, the “bypass” was paid for totally by county oil revenues and NO tax dollars.  There was no land condemned and the road was not forced on anyone. There were some changes to some folks entrances and I hope they see the benefit of the road and understand. 

Thanks for listening.  We want you to be proud of your County Government.

 

Bob Hurley is the Atascosa County Judge. You may E-mail him at countyjudge@atascosacounty.texas.gov.

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