Traffic could cause delays for students

With lane closures on Interstate 20 westbound and Highway 31 south, Kilgore College administration is advising southbound commuters to plan alternate routes or leave extra early for the first class day, Aug. 25.

"We are concerned about not only backups, but also student safety," said Trey Hattaway, director of marketing and enrollment management. "Students should be prepared for delays if they are taking I-20 westbound, Highway 31 from Longview to Kilgore or Highway 42 south. We are hoping that everybody takes extra time to get here and that the backups aren't too bad Monday."

Bridge repairs on the I-20 overpass at Highway 31 have caused backups on I-20 westbound. The interstate is down to one lane just east of Highway 31 and the I-20 exit ramp to Highway 31 westbound is temporarily closed.

Motorists who typically take Highway 42 southbound should also expect delays due to an influx of detoured motorists from I-20, and signal work.

Also, students signed up for Ranger Ride should plan to arrive early at either the Kilgore campus or KC-Longview to assure a seat on one of the two buses. Riders must show a current KC identification card or proof of enrollment. The first shuttle leaves Monday from the Devall Student Center in Kilgore at 7 a.m., and the Longview shuttle to Kilgore leaves from KC-Longview at 7:30 a.m. Students who signed up for the shuttle will be seated first, and any of the remaining 28 seats will be filled at time of departure.

Ranger Ride departure locations and times:

Depart Devall Student Center in Kilgore at 7 a.m. (Arrive in Longview)

Depart KC-Longview at 7:30 a.m. (Arrive in Kilgore)

Depart Devall Student Center in Kilgore at 12:30 p.m. (Arrive in Longview)

Depart KC-Longview at 1 p.m. (Arrive in Kilgore)

Depart Devall Student Center in Kilgore at 5 p.m. (Arrive in Longview)

Depart KC-Longview at 5:30 p.m.