TTC

From the Texas Contractor Austin Bureau

The Texas Transportation Commission has approved nearly $12.4 billion in mobility improvement projects under the 2006 Statewide Mobility Program, a major component in the Texas Department of Transportation's blueprint for transportation

Projects under the plan include highway, rail, public transportation, and aviation facilities throughout the state during 2006 through 2009. Most projects in the program were selected at the local level, either directly by local officials or local officials working with TxDOT district offices.

Commissioners also approved the Texas Rail System Plan, the first ever such initiative for TxDOT. That plan results from legislation broadening the department's rail responsibilities, and highlights the importance of rail in reducing highway traffic congestion and in attracting new businesses to the state.

The plan identifies current and proposed rail projects, determines infrastructure and capacity needs, and the processes to address those needs.

"This is a new opportunity for TxDOT," Executive Director Mike Behrens reported. "But it's another milestone in our efforts to reduce congestion, improve safety and air quality, encourage economic development, and increase the value of the state's transportation system."

The commission acted on several matters involving the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority (ARMA), including authorizing TxDOT to negotiate an agreement with ARMA to develop three potential toll projects in San Antonio. Those projects include expansion or new construction of I-35 from the Bexar-Guadalupe County line to I-37, SH 16 from I-410 to Loop 1604 and the U.S. 281/Wurzbach Parkway interchange.

The commissioners also gave preliminary approval for a $7.5-million loan to ARMA to develop its starter toll system, and authorized TxDOT to execute a pass-through finance agreement with Williamson County for improvements to various highway projects in the county. The Williamson County pact is the fourth pass-through toll agreement approved by the commission.

The commission approved truck lane restrictions on lanes on I-20 in Dallas County, I-30 in Tarrant County, and I-10 and U.S. 290 in Harris County. TxDOT reports crashes were reduced by nearly two-thirds after trucks were restricted to certain lanes on an eight-mile stretch of I-10 in Houston in 2000. The commission's action brings the total of truck lane restrictions approved in Texas to approximately 197 miles.