TxDOT construction at I-20, SH 31 to bring increased law enforcement, reduced speed limit

Law enforcement in the Lone Star State will increase its presence on roads and enforce speed limits more strictly during "Operation Slowdown," according to TxDOT. [ABC13 Eyewitness News]

A major infrastructure overhaul at the intersection of Interstate 20 and State Highway 31 in Gregg County is prompting stepped-up law enforcement patrols and stricter traffic enforcement through early August.

The Texas Department of Transportation project will fundamentally reshape traffic patterns at the busy junction. The work includes removing existing left-side exit ramps from I-20 and constructing new right-side exits with a direct bridge connector spanning the interstate. Additionally, crews will build new bridge structures over SH 31 and an adjacent railroad corridor. The improvements also encompass fresh asphalt overlay, updated guardrails, concrete safety barriers, new signage and refreshed pavement markings. Work will affect traffic flow on both northbound and southbound sections of SH 31.

Despite the extensive construction, officials said two travel lanes will remain accessible on both I-20 and SH 31 throughout the affected area. However, occasional nighttime lane closures will occur to accommodate construction activities. Gregg County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Craig Harrington emphasized the dangers posed by the project's scope. "You're going to have to slow down," Harrington said. "We've got trucks coming in and out of that. These are very large construction trucks that will sometimes need to turn around. Traffic will be slowed even further just due to the amount of traffic coming in and coming out of the work zones."

The speed limit in the construction zone has been reduced to 55 mph from 65 mph. Harrington noted that traffic citations will carry doubled fines when construction workers are present, serving as a deterrent for speeding violations.

The increased law enforcement presence at the Gregg County site aligns with a statewide initiative. The Texas Department of Transportation launched "Operation Slowdown" on July 18 in conjunction with its "Be Safe. Drive Smart." campaign, aimed at reducing speed-related accidents statewide. The enforcement push continues through Aug. 2, 2026, with participating agencies across Texas stepping up speed limit enforcement.

According to TxDOT data, excessive speed contributed to more than 150,000 traffic accidents in Texas during 2025, claiming 1,247 lives and causing 5,652 serious injuries. Beyond increased ticketing, law enforcement agencies are increasing road patrols to provide visual reminders to drivers about maintaining safe speeds appropriate for road and weather conditions.