Paramount Theatre
Doubt Project Would Work
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 20, 2014
Dear Editor,
I'm hard-pressed to believe that sinking I-35 underground for one mile (and $600 million) could in any way improve traffic in Austin, except possibly for that one mile you are underground in six lanes of traffic – and that is doubtful [“Reconnect Austin: Part One,” News, Jan.17]. How this project could affect the miles-long backups that form in each direction just north and south of the city is questionable, as is how this will alleviate traffic on MoPac and any other north-to-south artery, as well.
Perhaps that money would be better spent making the various toll roads free, to encourage drivers who have no business in the Downtown area to bypass it altogether; and by not adding toll lanes to existing highways, but simply adding much-needed lanes for all to use on I-35 and MoPac.
I'm hard-pressed to believe that sinking I-35 underground for one mile (and $600 million) could in any way improve traffic in Austin, except possibly for that one mile you are underground in six lanes of traffic – and that is doubtful [“Reconnect Austin: Part One,” News, Jan.17]. How this project could affect the miles-long backups that form in each direction just north and south of the city is questionable, as is how this will alleviate traffic on MoPac and any other north-to-south artery, as well.
Perhaps that money would be better spent making the various toll roads free, to encourage drivers who have no business in the Downtown area to bypass it altogether; and by not adding toll lanes to existing highways, but simply adding much-needed lanes for all to use on I-35 and MoPac.
Ralph Savioli
