Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation

Press Release

TxDOT takes the right road for motorists, property-owners and communities along I-69 corridor
6/11/2008
AUSTIN, TX – New organization and leadership at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) today demonstrated a greater level of responsiveness and planning by narrowing the scope of the proposed I-69 corridor to existing highway routes. Citizens and elected officials in South and East Texas have been clamoring for I-69 for many years, but recently expressed concerns about the scope of TxDOT’s corridor planning.

The state’s new plan for I-69 dramatically increases the likelihood that this needed roadway will finally be built and addresses the concerns of local property-owners and citizens. Southern and Eastern Texas desperately needs I-69 to relieve traffic, create jobs and provide new routes for hurricane and disaster evacuation. Adding new lanes, including new tolled lanes, to existing highway right-of-ways mean better transportation with much less impact on surrounding communities and property.

“TxDOT clearly listened and responded favorably to public input about the I-69 plan,” said Bill Noble, executive director of Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation. “Roads and highways have long been prosperity-drivers in Texas and the I-69 route will dramatically enhance our state’s job-creation climate.”

During February and March, TxDOT hosted 47 public hearings along the proposed I-69/TTC route. About 12,000 people got to speak their minds at these public hearings and upon receiving 28,000 comments, TxDOT has modified the proposed I-69/TTC plan to utilize and enhance existing highway routes already in use. These include US 59, US 77, US 84, US 281 and SH 44.

“Today’s announcement should please all but the most hardcore road opponents. A few Texans really do oppose new road construction and expansion. But most Texans want better, safer highways to safely and conveniently accommodate existing traffic and the 1,200 people who move to Texas each day,” said Noble. “Just as the Interstate Highway system answered the needs of a growing state for the last 50 years, so too will the I-69 project meet the significant growth of our state for the next 50 years.”

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Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation is a non-profit corporation. We are dedicated to educating and informing the Texas public about transportation challenges, solutions and successes. This organization cannot and will not be involved in partisan politics or the election or defeat of candidates.

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