September is National Preparedness Month and while we prepare for inclement weather, we also need to prepare for running into bad weather while on the road.

Although these weather conditions are hard to predict at times, being prepared can help.

Here are a few safety measures to put into place prior to facing inclement weather.

1. Keep windshield wipers updated
2. Check tire pressure and tread
3. Check car battery, hoses, belts and fluids before long road trips

 

For more tips on mobility and vehicle safety, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page and sign up for our Mobility e-newsletter.

 

 

 

 

New year, more projects! The Southlake Mobility Team is working to make getting you from place to place better!

These projects include repaving roads, repairing potholes and full reconstruction.

Projects are as follows:

Road Construction Projects 2021 

Brookwood Lane, Hillcastle and Raintree	Spring 2021
Briar Lane and Hilltop Drive	Spring 2021
Hillside Court	Spring 2021
Simmons Court	Summer 2021
Tarrant County ILA – N. Carroll (SH114 to Burney)	Summer 2021

 

Maintaining the City’s mobility network has always been a top priority. These improvements will provide safer commutes and improve overall mobility in Southlake.

For more information, including updates, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page or visit www.ConnectSouthlake.com.

Let’s make the world a better place with a resolution to stop distracted driving.

We’re constantly sending friends and family photos of our dog, memes and links to viral videos through text messages. As much as you would like to respond when you’re driving, DON’T. It can wait.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed the lives of 2,841 individuals in 2018. Similar research by the Texas Department of Transportation in 2019 showed 97,853 crashes were due to distracted driving, inattention or cell phone use.

This year, make it your resolution to stop texting and driving and help create safer roads for everyone.

For more information on the It Can Wait movement, visit www.ItCanWait.com.

Over the last few weeks, contractors have been working on S. Carroll Avenue in preparation for construction at the intersection of the southbound lanes at Zena Rucker Road and S. Carroll Avenue.

Due to the recent extension of Zena Rucker Road, traffic is expected to increase near and around the Shops of Southlake and the Park Village area.

The purpose of the S. Carroll Avenue project is to replace the current asphalt lanes with concrete. These efforts will improve mobility by ensuring that the roadway will be comprised of the same material. Concrete is more durable and sustainable than asphalt and is better for long-term use.

As of last week, crews have been on-site digging up asphalt on the surface as well as 12 inches below the surface in order to reset a firm sub-base to replace the asphalt with concrete. All the sub-base will be dug up first, and once all the sub-base has been completed, the concrete pouring process will begin.

As a part of the construction project, S. Carroll Avenue between Zena Rucker Road and La Paloma Drive has been closed until completion. Vinebrook Lane at S. Carroll Avenue is also closed, but only for four weeks.

Winding Lake Boulevard will be entrance-only from December 14 – December 18.

Construction equipment is currently stored along the closed southbound lane of S. Carroll Avenue and Cool River Drive. Driveways along Cool River Drive will not be blocked.

The entire project is expected to last two months, weather permitting.

These improvements are a part of the 2030 Master Mobility Plan with an estimated cost of $427,272.

For more information about mobility projects in Southlake and updates on mobility news, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page.

There has been a lot of roadwork happening on W. Chapel Downs lately. The construction on this road is a major component of the N. White Chapel Widening Project because it intersects with N. White Chapel and is adjacent to other roads that lead to the major intersection.

Over the last few weeks, contractors have worked to complete paving on W. Chapel Downs and storm drain installation on E. Chapel Downs.

E. Chapel Downs has been closed from N. White Chapel Boulevard to Saratoga Drive and traffic has been shifted to the east of W. Chapel Downs to allow drainage installation.

The drainage installation on Chapel Downs is expected to be completed within six to eight months, weather permitting.

Contractors have completed the excavation of excess dirt on N. White Chapel to grade the road and asphalting of the temporary road has started. Striping is estimated to start next week.

The entire project is estimated to be completed by Spring 2022, weather permitting.

The total N. White Chapel Widening Project is estimated to cost around $17 million.

For more N. White Chapel construction updates, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page or sign up for the Mobility e-newsletter.

Traveling for the holidays may be a little different this year. With more families staying at home, travelers may experience less traffic and delays. However, getting there safely is still a priority.

Here are a few reminders to know before you go:

1. Plan ahead. Long road trips can have significant impacts on your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle has the necessary repairs so it can sustain long distances.
2. Leave early. Driving in the evening can reduce visibility. To add, business hours may be restricted due to COVID-19 regulations. Take advantage of the natural daylight and business hours by planning most of your driving time during the day.
3. Be safe. Drive the required speed limit, refrain from distractions such as texting and driving and look out for pedestrians.

 

For more tips and information on mobility in Southlake, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page.

 

Fall is here! With the cooler temperatures, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is weather ready!

Temperature changes can have an adverse effect on your vehicle. One of the most important impacts to your vehicle this time of year is changes to tire pressure.

As temperatures drop, the air inside tires can contract, which causes lower air pressure in the tire. Examining tire pressure can help prevent flat tires or uneven wear, which ultimately keeps you and your passengers safe while traveling.

Another checkbox to complete this time of year is the battery. By keeping the battery clean and free of corrosion, you can avoid the car from stalling at start up or the battery dying.

The last and final tip is to check your fluids regularly. Low temperatures can cause fluids such as oil, antifreeze and transmission fluid to thicken. The best way to prevent this from occurring is to start your vehicle and let it warm up a few minutes before you hit the road.

For more tips on mobility and vehicle safety, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page and sign up for our Mobility e-newsletter.

As drivers and pedestrians, we are often challenged with navigating through inclement weather, construction sites, school zones and bumper to bumper traffic. With all the obstacles you must look out for while driving, a faulty traffic signal presents yet another hurdle. Signal equipment can stop working and cause the lights to flash, or a power outage can make the lights go out completely. Knowing what to do if this happens makes you and everyone around you safer.

Common road safety rules such as watching your speed, refraining from texting and looking out for pedestrians are even more important when approaching a traffic signal that is not functioning properly.

Police officers typically direct traffic at intersections where the signal is in flash or is dark, and drivers must heed their instructions. Officers are there to help keep people safe and traffic moving until the signal is repaired. If officers are not on the scene during a signal malfunction, drivers must follow these rules:

• Treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
• Come to a complete stop at the stop line.
• Pay attention to all drivers and be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists. People in the crosswalk have the right of way.
• Once all traffic at the intersection has come to a complete STOP, the person who has stopped first can proceed first.

For more information about Southlake Mobility and other driving tips, follow our Facebook page.

As school staff and kids prepare to head back to school, the Southlake Mobility Team is preparing for a safe return for commuters and pedestrians.

The team plans to install crosswalk signs at Carroll Avenue and Continental Boulevard a week before school begins. Message board signs will also be placed to notify drivers and pedestrians to expect some delays due to the increase in school traffic.

Together, we can ensure pedestrian safety in Southlake. Here are four things you can do to help with pedestrian safety:

1. Stop and wait for pedestrians to cross the street.
2. Pay attention to all signs and signals.
3. Refrain from texting or listening to music while navigating crosswalks.
4. Be alert at all times.

For more updates on Southlake Mobility, please follow us on Facebook or connect with us online at www.ConnectSouthlake.com.