More Lanes Coming for “Bloody 31”

TYLER � In the wake of yet another violent and fatal crash on what’s known as “Bloody 31” in Smith County, The Texas Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to add more passing lanes on the highway between Tyler and Kilgore. According to KETK, statistics show hundreds of recent accidents on the stretch, including a number of fatals. Starting this month, TxDOT contractors will begin adding three passing lanes east of Loop 323 in Tyler.

There are already two passing lanes on that portion of the highway, but officials say more are needed. TxDOT hopes this will reduce the number of wrecks and help drivers pass other cars safely. Crews will start working on the first of the three passing lanes this month between FM 850 and FM 757. TxDOT spokesperson Larry Krantz said the lanes will give people the opportunity to pass somebody slowly and offer two lanes in the same direction so they can pass each other without having to cross into oncoming traffic.