TxDOT seeks Panhandle input on U.S. 83 corridor study

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Texas Department of Transportation is asking Panhandle drivers to weigh in on the future of U.S. 83 as part of a statewide study of the highway.

U.S. 83 is a route for farmers, ranchers and truck drivers across the Panhandle. TxDOT officials said the highway helps move goods through rural communities, and they want to learn how it can better serve those who depend on it.

TxDOT wants to hear where drivers see trouble spots and what changes they believe could make a difference.

“There’s a lot of farms, a lot of ranches. And so there’s a lot of truck traffic that’s going through there. And so we want to hear from them,” said Jason Britsch of TxDOT’s Amarillo District.

Britsch said truck traffic can add wear and tear to roads, and TxDOT is looking for areas where traffic may be heavier. He said the goal is to plan ahead for more vehicles and heavy trucks on area roads.

The agency said the study is still in its early stages and that improvements suited to one community may not be the right fit for another.

After public comments are collected, TxDOT staff will review the information and work on an implementation plan, the agency said.

Britsch said the agency has not settled on a single solution for the entire corridor.

Any future projects will depend on factors including funding and the type of work needed.