Car Crash: https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/accident/2024/12/23/1-seriously-injured-in-crash-on-marsha-sharp-freeway-in-west-lubbock/77185718007/ Loop 88: https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/2018/02/2/txdot-holds-loop-88-public-meeting/14161911007/ 1 dead after crash on Marsha Sharp Freeway in west Lubbock Adam D. Young Lubbock Avalanche-Journal One person has died after being hospitalized with serious injuries following a crash early Monday evening on the Marsha Sharp Freeway in west Lubbock. The Lubbock Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the crash reported at about 4:49 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Marsha Sharp Freeway and Chicago Avenue. Traffic mounts as police investigate a fatal accident Monday evening near Marsha Sharp Freeway and Chicago Avenue. One person was taken via EMS to University Medical Center with serious injuries but was later pronounced dead. Drivers were asked to avoid the area as first responders and investigators worked the scene. Marsha Sharp Freeway was closed to all westbound traffic from Slide Road to West Loop 289 well into Monday evening. Other details about the crash were unclear immediately as the investigation is ongoing. We’ll update you as soon as more details become available. TxDOT holds Loop 88 public meetings. Sarah Self-Walbrick A-J Media The Texas Department of Transportation held a public meeting Tuesday about the proposed Loop 88 project. [Map provided by TxDOT] The Texas Department of Transportation held a public meeting Tuesday at the Lubbock-Cooper Performing Arts Center about segments 1, 2, and 4 of the proposed Loop 88. This was the first public meeting about these segments of the project. Citizens, especially those who will be affected by the project, were encouraged to attend and ask TxDOT representatives questions and note any concerns. Dianah Ascencio, public information officer for TxDOT, said Loop 88 is being built in anticipation of Lubbock's continued growth. It may seem like the project is too far away to worry about, but she said citizen's comments are crucial for the future of the roadway. Maps of the 36-mile project, specifically of segments 1, 2, and 4, were available for attendees to view and ask questions about. Many inquiries were about where the new loop would actually be, especially in relation to current landmarks, and why it is needed. Loop 88 will go around the city from U.S. 84 near Shallowater to U.S. 84 near Slaton. Segments 1 and 2 include U.S. 84 near Shallowater to U.S. 62/82. Segment 4 will connect U.S. 87 in South Lubbock to U.S. 84 near Slaton. A feasibility study analyzing the need for the road was finalized in 2010, determining the traffic demand would be there by 2030, according to TxDOT. The entire project is estimated to cost a total of $720 million, said Kylan Francis, director of transportation planning and development for the Lubbock TxDOT district. District Design Engineer Shelley Harris said during the presentation that frontage roads will be built first in segments 1, 2, and 4. Harris said specifically for Segments 1 and 2, there will not be a need for much more for years to come. "This is going to be 30 or 40 years in the future before we have enough traffic to justify extending the main lanes to the airport," Harris said. Construction on the discussed segments will not start until segment 3 is completed, Francis said. TxDOT is estimating construction duration will last 10 to 15 years. Prior meetings have been about segment 3, from U.S. 62/82 in Wolfforth to U.S. 87 in South Lubbock. Segment 3 will be the first that will be constructed, which TxDOT hopes to begin in 2021. At the meeting, Francis said the environmental study for the segment will be completed soon, after which TxDOT can begin acquiring the right of way. There will be another public meeting and two public hearings in relation to these segments at a later date, Francis said. Citizens are also encouraged to submit written comments to Harris at 135 Slaton Road or by email to shelley.harris.gov by March 7.
