On Monday, TxDOT officials reduced the speed limit on a stretch of Interstate 10 between between Beaumont and the Chambers County line. The section of the highway will be reduced from 75 mph to 65 mph to match the surrounding sections of I-10.
Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames stated that she had been inundated with emails and phone calls objecting the 10 mph speed limit drop. The Beaumont Enterprise reported that the city council also voted unanimously against the change.
Despite the opposition, TxDOT decided to follow through with the proposal, citing a higher-than-average crash rate, as well as reported air-quality issues.
With the changes, 65 mph will be a standard speed limit that stretches to the Houston outskirts.
The changes took place on Monday and troopers will begin to enforce the new speed limits once all the signs are in place.