Texas A&M Transportation Services to Block off All Roads on Game Day
Since the traffic nightmare of the 2013 Texas A&M game against Alabama, Texas A&M’s Department of Transportation has worked to find a more efficient way of reducing post-game traffic and accidents. Normally, this consists of closing more common routes in an effort to disperse traffic onto smaller roads throughout College Station.
In its latest efforts to cut back on the time it takes spectators to travel home from Kyle Field post-game, Transportation Services has announced that they will be barricading all roads and streets within College Station city limits on game day.
“Over the years, we’ve tried many different ways to funnel all traffic into highly congested roads, and I think this is our best effort to date,” said Doug Williams, Director of Transportation Services, during a press conference on Tuesday morning. “By barricading all roads and side streets in College Station for the entirety of the day, our estimates suggest at least a 2-4 hour reduction in the amount of time it takes to get anywhere in College Station from Kyle Field. The trend we have noticed each year is that the more roads we have closed off, the more people decide to walk, allowing for more room on the road. The catch this year is that there will be no place for vehicle transportation whatsoever, allowing pedestrians to make full use of the open road to make their way safely home.”
“I think this is a really good idea,” said Katie Jameson, a freshman allied health major, when asked her thoughts on the Department’s announcement. “One time, I was leaving one of the games with my boyfriend and an accident on George Bush had us stuck there for hours. I think the best way to avoid that happening again is to remove all cars from the roads during game day.”
The new plan will consist of closing all major roads—including George Bush, University, and Texas—as well as every side street in the city. The barricades will go up beginning at 6am this Saturday, and will stay up with an armed guard at every post until 1am Sunday morning. Transportation Services is advising all game attendees to “leave the boots behind and wear a good pair of tennis shoes—you’ll need ‘em.”
—Mugdown Staff
