A petition calling for safety improvements has more than 500 signatures, roughly half of its goal of 1,000.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A recent deadly crash is renewing calls for safety improvements along State Highway 361 on Padre Island.
The crash happened Monday night, prompting residents to push for changes along a stretch of road that has seen its share of serious and fatal crashes.
Jaden Diaz and other Padre Island residents know State Highway 361 well, and they know the dangers that can come with driving it.
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“There’s a big misconception that it’s a safe road cause it’s a straight away but that’s actually what makes it dangerous,” he said.
When spring break and summer bring more drivers to the island, Diaz said the highway can quickly become a risky ride.
“I’v seen crazy spring breakers flying down that road most likely intoxicated and lots and lots of traffic,” he said.
A petition calling for safety improvements has more than 500 signatures, roughly half of its goal of 1,000.
State Rep. Todd Hunter said he plans to seek funding for lighting along the highway.
“I plan to go on the legislature in January to seek funds for lighting the entire 361, so my first step is getting lighting for 361,” he said.
Hunter also said he has spoken with the Texas Department of Transportation about potential changes to the highway.
“It’s my understanding and my visits with Texas department of transportation they are actually in a planning stage right now for modifying 361. I will do everything I can to encourage them to expedite all plans on 361,” he said.
Diaz said the need to expand Highway 361 has been clear for years, and he believes it’s time to move forward with those changes.
“I think there’s a lot of things that should have been done years ago. But none the less, we’re here today. but moving forward I think we should definetely expand it.”