Every Rowlett resident knows the Dalrock Rd and Highway 66 intersection is a nightmare. But I pulled the actual data to confirm what we all feel.
Accident data (2023-2025):
- Total reported accidents at Dalrock/66: 47 (Rowlett PD records via public records request)
- That's roughly one accident every 3 weeks at a single intersection
- Most common type: rear-end collisions (turning left from 66 onto Dalrock northbound)
- Second most common: red-light running from the 66 eastbound direction
- Peak accident times: 4:30-6:30pm weekdays and Saturday afternoons
Why it's so bad:
- The left turn signal timing is too short. The green arrow from 66 to Dalrock northbound lets maybe 4-5 cars through. During rush hour, 15+ cars are stacked. People run the yellow, then the red.
- Sight lines are poor. The curve on 66 approaching from the east means you can't see the intersection until you're close. People brake late.
- The shopping centers on all four corners generate constant turning traffic. Kroger, CVS, and the strip malls mean left turns across traffic all day long.
- No dedicated right-turn lane from Dalrock southbound to 66 westbound. Cars turning right block through traffic.
Near-miss stories from the community:
- "I've been nearly T-boned there three times in two years" — Rowlett Community Group post, 47 comments agreeing
- "Someone ran the red going east on 66 while I was turning left with my kids in the car" — multiple versions of this story in every Rowlett group
What the city is doing about it:
- Rowlett Engineering Dept confirmed they've requested a traffic study from TxDOT (66 is a state highway, so the city can't just change signal timing)
- The study was approved in late 2025 — results expected mid-2026
- Possible solutions being discussed: extended left-turn arrow, dedicated right-turn lane, and potentially a diverging diamond design (like the one at 66/PGBT)
What you can do now:
- Avoid the intersection during rush hour if possible. Take Lakeview Pkwy to PGBT instead.
- If you must use it, be in the correct lane EARLY. Lane changes near this intersection are where most of the near-misses happen.
- Dashcam. Get one. A basic Viofo dashcam from Amazon is $50 and will save you in an insurance dispute.
Sources:
- Rowlett PD accident reports 2023-2025 (public records request)
- Rowlett City Council meeting minutes — October 2025 (traffic study discussion)
- TxDOT project tracking for Highway 66 corridor
- Rowlett Community Facebook Group (multiple discussion threads)
I've started taking Chiesa Rd to Miller to avoid this intersection entirely during rush hour. Adds 5 minutes but eliminates the stress and the risk.