Speed Limit Increase on 183A Toll Road
You’ll soon be able to drive faster on the 183A toll road.
The speed limit is going up from 70 to 75 miles per hour this morning. The new speed limit goes into effect as soon as the new signs are installed.
The speed limit increase affects more than 11 miles of highway stretching from RM 620 in Northwest Austin through Cedar Park and Leander.
A study determined the speed limit increase is appropriate.
Trial Continue, Washington Action in Lackland Sex Scandal
A military jury will hear evidence for the sentencing of a Texas Air Force basic training instructor this morning. Tech Sgt. Christopher Smith was convicted yesterday of pursuing one female trainee and fraternizing with another at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
The trial is part of a larger sex scandal involving 15 instructors at the base where investigators say at around 40 female trainees were victimized. Staff Sgt. Luis Walker received a 20-year prison term last month for rape and sexual assault.
To better combat this issue and any future indicents, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has blocked the White House’s next Air Force chief of staff from taking his new position. Cornyn says Gen. Mark Welsh will have to wait to replace Gen. Norton Schwartz until he's convinced the Air Force has a better plan to address sexual assaults at the base.
Cornyn told Texas Public Radio that he wants to hear "clear corrective steps the Air Force will make to ensure that something like this never happens again – and I need to be convinced of the sincerity of that effort before I will lift my hold.”
First Olympic Medal for UT Grad
Former UT-Austin diver Troy Dumais, a four-time Olympian, received his first Olympic medal yesterday in the 3m Synchro. Springboard. Dumais, 32, earned a bronze medal with his partner, 19-year-old Kristian Ipsen.
Another Texas Ex fell just short of the podium yesterday. Kathleen Hersey, who swam in the 200m Butterfly Finals, finished three tenths behind third place. She swam a 2:05.78, which was a personal best.
UT athletes will continue to compete today as Susana Escobar swims in the 800m Freestyle Heat and Kevin Durant plays ball with Team USA against Nigeria at 4:15 p.m. Click here to check out what time you’ll be able to watch the competitions.
Tomorrow, watch out for the beginning of track and field competition.
