“Whiskey Bend” Is Getting Safer

LONGVIEW — The number of car wrecks along the roadway known as “Whiskey Bend” has drastically decreased over the past year. KETK reports “Whiskey Bend” is the moniker given to the stretch of Texas 149 between Lakeport and Longview, known for the number of liquor stores along the road. In 2008, more than 60 vehicles were involved in wrecks along the road. But last year, there were less than 40, a trend that has continued into 2013. Gregg County officials cite the passage of alcohol sales in Lakeport, as well as other parts of Longview, as part of the reason for the decrease, since less traffic now travels through the area. But they say roadway improvements, which started in 2010 and cost around $7 million are an even bigger reason for safer traffic. In fact, it’s actually not too common for people to call this road “Whiskey Bend” anymore.