TXDOT Seeks ‘Trans-Texas Corridor’ Input
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) held a public hearing in the Glasscock County Courthouse Feb. 9 to garner ideas for its “Trans-Texas Corridor,” which is only in the very preliminary stages. (The meeting was attended by locals Mark Halfmann, Wilburn Bednar, Michael Hoch, Douglas Plagens, Alan Dierschke and Joe Calverley.) The corridor is a TXDOT attempt to plan and build a transportation system that will serve the state 50 years in the future, not in the present. It attempts to solve current transportation problems such as congestion, hazardous materials and pollution.
TXDOT representatives said that the state’s “pay-as-you-go” system of highway construction has not kept pace with the need for new roadways. Their figures indicate a population increase of 23 percent, an increase in vehicle miles traveled of 41 percent, and new roads increasing at a rate of only three percent. As funding stands, only one-third of the state’s future transportation needs will be met. TXDOT personnel say that too many badly needed projects sit idle, awaiting funding. With an increase of 25 million people forecast in the next 30 years, they say the existing roadway system is not tenable.
Toll-based Superhighway System?
Due to Texas House Bill 3588, passed last year, the future transportation system could borrow money to finance construction, and would be able to accept private funding, with investors putting up some of the money for a toll-based road/rail system. In addition, for the first time, the state and landowners could negotiate royalties for use of land. The transportation system would utilize separate roadways for trucks and passenger cars, and might incorporate rail for both passengers and freight plus right-of-way for utilities like oil, gas, water, and electricity.
The planned road/railways would go around urban areas, attempting to move cross-state traffic elsewhere, and at the same time, locating roadways where construction is less costly. Routes for such a cross-state system have not been determined, and TXDOT welcomes public input in this regard.
TXDOT officials were careful to point out that, by state law, future toll roads would be alternatives, never the only way for Texans to get to their destination.
TXDOT is holding these meetings in various locations across the state through February. Public input is encouraged.