Texas News

Bill's Daily Message for Oct. 24

All of the attention on this new road's speed is missing the real story. This is the largest public-private partnership to open yet and will usher in a new era in Texas transportation. It is a model for the rest of the state and the rest of the country on how to deal with traffic congestion. This is free enterprise offering a choice. I am excited to see this project open today and hope we see more of them as one solution to our traffic problems in this state.

Bill Hammond
President & CEO

Read more here: http://www.mysanantonio.com/traffic/article/High-speed-toll-road-opening-3974705.php

High-speed toll road opening
By Vianna Davila

The new Texas 130 toll road extension will open today to much fanfare, but its 85-mph speed limit — the highest in the country — has drawn equal amounts of fascination and concern.

Safety experts worry about vehicles driving that fast, while proponents say the road was designed for such speeds and offers a safe alternative to congested Interstate 35.

“What we feel like is that the highway was designed for high speeds,” Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Mark Cross said, so setting the 85-mph speed limit is “safe, as long as drivers use their best judgment and follow the law.”