AUSTIN- Tuesday, Representative Brooks Landgraf hand delivered to LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret.) the head of the Texas Department of Transportation, a copy of a petition with more than 1,400 signatures from Winkler County residents demanding immediate attention to State Highway 302 in Winkler County.
"I hear the concerns and fears of my friends in Winkler County -- this ten mile stretch of highway is one of the most dangerous ten miles in the whole state of Texas, and the road's current poor condition requires immediate attention from TxDOT officials," said Landgraf.
In recent years, the highway between Kermit and Odessa has become increasingly dangerous, with numerous people killed in wrecks on the short stretch of highway each year.
"I very much appreciate Sheriff George Keely's leadership in raising awareness among the community of this problem and the initiative he took to help gather input from across the county on this important issue," Representative Landgraf said.
The petition calls upon the Texas Legislature, the governor, and TxDOT to provide immediate funding to convert Highway 302 from two lanes into four lanes. At a minimum, Landgraf will request adding longer passing lanes throughout the deadly stretch of road.
"The safety and security of my constituents is of utmost importance to me, and I look forward to working with the Texas Department of Transportation to find a long-term and sustainable solution to this dangerous situation in Winkler County,” Landgraf said.
Representative Brooks Landgraf was elected in 2014 to serve House District 81, which encompasses Andrews, Ector, Ward, and Winkler Counties. Landgraf resides in Odessa with his wife Shelby and works as an attorney and rancher. He also serves on the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance Board of Directors, the Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute Advisory Council.