Primary Kimble County Driving Topic: U.S. 83 Changing From Rural Highway to Divided Corridor
Kimble County’s strongest local driver education topic is U.S. 83 north of Junction.
Today, much of the corridor functions as a rural two-lane highway with passing lanes.
TxDOT is planning to widen it substantially. The current proposal includes a four-lane divided interim design, with a possible future controlled-access system using frontage roads.
For a new driver, that produces several important lessons.
Understand Two-Lane Highway Driving
On a two-lane rural road, opposing traffic is separated only by pavement markings.
Students should:
Maintain lane position
Avoid drifting toward the centerline
Leave adequate following distance
Pass only when legal and safe
Recognize passing-lane transitions
Watch closing speeds carefully
Understand Divided Highway Driving
A divided highway changes the decision process.
Students must learn:
Median openings
Additional lanes
Lane selection
Higher traffic speeds
Different turning movements
Longer intersection approaches
Expect Construction Changes
A familiar route may not remain familiar during a major widening project.
Students should follow current:
Signs
Temporary pavement markings
Work-zone speed limits
Lane closures
Construction flaggers
Barriers
Traffic-control devices

