The Tarrant County Homeless Coalition warns that increased traffic and congestion is expected on East Lancaster Blvd due to lane closures on Interstate 30 from a recent tanker accident. They advise drivers to be extra cautious as many disabled homeless individuals cross the street in the area to access services. The Coalition requests that motorists slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially during morning, lunch and evening hours. The City of Fort Worth has agreed to increase enforcement of traffic laws to help make the streets safer for all.

1. Media Advisory
Press Contact: Kai Stansberry
kai@ahomewithhope.org (817) 875-6117
TARRANT COUNTY HOMELESS COALITION CAUTIONS: CARS AND CONGESTION COMING
Keep Everyone Safe By Driving Cautiously
March 31, 2011 (Fort Worth) – As drivers seek to find alternate routes to avoid congestion on Interstate 30 West due to
lane closures from the Tanker accident on Monday, March 28th, the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (TCHC) reminds
motorists to be aware of pedestrian activity and traffic congestion in and around East Lancaster Blvd/180.
Since the 3/28 fatal accident, there has been a significant increase in traffic on East Lancaster Blvd. TCHC urges drivers
to be especially cautious and alert during the morning, lunch, and after-work hours.
Many disabled homeless individuals in search of social services and shelter are often crossing the street on East Lancaster
Blvd. Unfortunately, drivers are not always mindful of speed limits and traffic safety – especially if they are unfamiliar
with the area. Motorists are reminded to be extra alert, slow down and observe lower speed limits, as homeless
individuals gather at bus stops or are walking across pedestrian cross walks.
“Keeping our homeless and disabled population safe, especially crossing busy streets and intersections, is a community-
wide priority,” said Cindy J. Crain, executive director of TCHC. “By reinforcing safety messages in a proactive way, we
can help to make our streets safer for everyone.”
The City of Fort Worth has responded to requests by homeless service providers to step up enforcement of speed limits
and crosswalk violations in the coming days.
About Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
The Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (TCHC) is a not-for-profit, 501c(3) organization formed in 1989 to provide
leadership to prevent and end homelessness in Tarrant County. TCHC plans, funds and administers programs that assist
homeless individuals and families in their transition from homelessness to housing. TCHC is the lead agency in the HUD-
funded Fort Worth/Arlington/Tarrant County Continuum of Care for programs providing shelter, housing and services to
homeless persons.
For more information, please visit: www.ahomewithhope.org
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