An old Bullard intersection likely will soon change.

The Texas Department of Transportation will close access from Lynch Drive across U.S. Highway 69. While drivers will be able to turn south from Lynch Drive on U.S. Highway 69 after the change, they will not be able to merge into northbound traffic on U.S. Highway 69.

At the regular meeting of the city council Tuesday, Aug. 10, Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan said city officials recently met with TxDOT officials to determine the outcome of the intersection.

The regular flow of traffic through the intersection was deemed unsafe because of the new construction on U.S. Highway 69.

“It’s unfortunate that the intersection is the way it is,” Morgan said. “There are several negative things about that intersection.”

It is likely that the legal speed limit will increase when construction is completed – possibly to as high as 70 mph. With vehicles moving north and south at that speed, it would be very dangerous for drivers to attempt to travel through the intersection.

Morgan said the change likely will be implemented when construction is completed within the next few months.

In another traffic-related concern, Bullard Mayor Teresa Adams-Wilks requested that city officials work with TxDOT to post signs on the farm-to-market highways in Bullard regarding use of cell phones in school zones. Once signs are posted, city police will enforce the law.

Morgan also said city officials will consider ways to enhance the safety of roadways in Bullard, especially Rather Street. Some residents are complaining about traffic problems, but Morgan said visibility and width play a role in how safe streets are in some neighborhoods.

Adams-Wilks said the city will move forward with plans to construct a Bullard city sign north on U.S. Highway 69. The sign will be constructed of stone and/or brick, and Morgan said that if anyone is interested in donating materials for the sign to call the city at (903) 894-7223. He said construction on the sign likely will start within two or three months.

In other business, council members approved a re-plat of Lots 5-11, Block 14 of the Summerset subdivision along Summerset Court and Emma Street; approved the audit for the year ending Sept. 30, 2009; awarded a bid for the demolition of the blue water tank standpipe adjacent to Third Street; approved Shirley Coe to remain in the board of BEDCO; approved amended order special election to be held on the uniform date of Nov. 2, for a local option election to legalize the sale of beer and wine for offpremise consumption only and the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only; agreed to a joint election agreement and contract services with Smith County for the special election; and agreed to a joint election agreement and contract services with Cherokee County for the special election.