(a) The portion of State Highway 31 in Gregg County between its intersection with the Smith County line and State Highway 42 is designated as the Jack Ward Memorial Highway.
(b) Subject to Section 225.021(c), the department shall:
(1) design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Jack Ward Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information; and
(2) erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.