Texas Avenue Median Cuts Crash Rates in Bryan
An independent review shows total crashes on Texas Avenue dropped 17% following the installation of new medians.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Car Types
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Data from an eight-year analysis reveals that total crashes on Texas Avenue in Bryan have decreased by 17% since the installation of medians. This improvement represents approximately 80 fewer accidents annually within the corridor between Highway 21 and Highway 6.
Why it matters
The findings arrive as Bryan residents prepare to vote on a ballot measure regarding the potential removal of these infrastructure improvements. Evaluating the safety impact of the medians is central to the ongoing debate over the road design.
The analysis of state crash records covering 2017 through 2026 shows a 17% reduction in total crashes, which equates to 80 fewer incidents per year. This drop is primarily linked to a decline in rear-end collisions.
The players
TxDOT Crash Records Information System
This is a state-level database managed by the Texas Department of Transportation that collects and archives data on motor vehicle collisions.
The details
The study, which utilized records from the TxDOT Crash Records Information System, excluded the 2023 construction year and partial 2026 data to ensure accuracy. While rear-end collisions declined, researchers noted no statistically significant change in pedestrian-involved collisions or fatalities.
Timeline
2017-2022: Baseline period for crash data analysis.
2023: Median installation year.
2024-2025: Post-installation data period.
October 30, 2026: End of early voting.
November 3, 2026: Election Day.
Roadmap
This analysis serves as a performance review for infrastructure projects installed under Texas Department of Transportation traffic safety design standards. It highlights the growing trend of using physical barriers to prioritize driver safety over traffic flow in urban corridors.
Drivers using the Texas Avenue corridor can expect fewer rear-end collisions and potential improvements in traffic predictability. However, voters should consider these safety metrics when deciding on the upcoming ballot measure to keep or remove the existing medians.
The takeaway
Infrastructure changes often have measurable impacts on safety that may conflict with resident preferences for traffic flow. Local voters should weigh the proven reduction in crashes against their own experiences navigating the updated Texas Avenue layout.
What happens next
Bryan residents are voting on a ballot measure to determine the future of the medians, with early voting concluding on October 30, 2026, and Election Day set for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on vehicle safety infrastructure, visit the Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kbtx.
Live Poll
Do you support keeping raised medians on Texas Avenue to prioritize traffic safety over other concerns?
