Hamby residents call for safer intersection near AI data center after fatality
Hamby residents are raising significant safety concerns due to increased traffic from AI data center construction at the intersection of Elmdale Road, Hwy 351, and County Road 504. A recent fatality and multiple accidents have prompted calls for immediate safety improvements like traffic lights and turn lanes. The Texas Department of Transportation is actively working with the developer on temporary measures and plans a comprehensive traffic study once construction concludes.
Hamby residents are demanding urgent safety improvements at the intersection of Elmdale Road, Hwy 351, and County Road 504, citing a dramatic increase in traffic due to ongoing AI data center construction. The community's concerns escalated after a 26-year-old, Adam Lee Reyna, died in a vehicle collision at the intersection a couple of months ago.
Lacie Rivera, a Hamby resident, highlighted dangerous situations caused by drivers turning left and passing on the shoulder, noting that the once quiet road now requires extreme vigilance. She recounted witnessing crashes, including one involving her cousin's husband just weeks prior. Residents are specifically requesting a traffic light and a turn lane to alleviate congestion and prevent further tragedies.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) acknowledged the increased traffic and public safety concerns. Alaisha Montanez, TxDOT's public information officer for Abilene, stated that they are actively collaborating with the developer to implement temporary safety measures during construction, such as lowered speed limits and additional stop signs. Upon completion of the data center's construction, TxDOT plans to conduct a comprehensive traffic study and analysis of the entire corridor to determine necessary permanent changes.