First Light Books
TxDOT Shell Game
RECEIVED Mon., March 8, 2004
Dear Editor,
The Texas Department of Transportation is running a $355 million shell game southeast of Austin. TxDOT claims that the proposed seven-mile State Highway 45 Southeast toll road, which would run parallel to FM 1327, is a connector between I-35 and SH 130 (now U.S. 183). It is nothing of the sort. It is another section of the SH 45 loop around the city. It will force construction, against the city of Austin's wishes, of the final loop segment, SH 45 Southwest, which will cross the aquifer recharge zone and become a funnel for more traffic to already congested MoPac.
The true connector already exists in Texas 21 from San Marcos to U.S. 183. It is five miles shorter than taking SH 45 Southeast, and not tolled. A glance at a road map makes the choice obvious. And don't accept TxDOT claims at face value.
The Texas Department of Transportation is running a $355 million shell game southeast of Austin. TxDOT claims that the proposed seven-mile State Highway 45 Southeast toll road, which would run parallel to FM 1327, is a connector between I-35 and SH 130 (now U.S. 183). It is nothing of the sort. It is another section of the SH 45 loop around the city. It will force construction, against the city of Austin's wishes, of the final loop segment, SH 45 Southwest, which will cross the aquifer recharge zone and become a funnel for more traffic to already congested MoPac.
The true connector already exists in Texas 21 from San Marcos to U.S. 183. It is five miles shorter than taking SH 45 Southeast, and not tolled. A glance at a road map makes the choice obvious. And don't accept TxDOT claims at face value.
Dick Kallerman
