Railroads Roads Toll roads Transit: I-35 rail Texas Department of Transportation Texas Transportation Commission Toll roads Trans Texas Corridor
by Patrick
Comments Off on Sometimes “no” really does mean “no”
Sometimes “no” really does mean “no”
Click for larger map
A few years ago, then Texas transportation czar Ric Williamson shrugged off a citizen revolt against grand plans to build cross-state toll lanes and rail lines along Interstate 35. At the time, tens of thousands of people were showing up at dozens of public hearings to lash out at the planned Trans Texas Corridor’s I-35 leg.
Williamson, who was the Texas Transportation Commission chairman, said public hearings aren’t a vote but rather an effort to find out WHY people oppose or support a proposal and then to address those concerns.
He said:
The purpose of public hearings is not to take a survey. It is not a matter of not having sympathy for those who will have their land lost. Somebody has got to do something about (Interstate) 35. Not 10 years from now and not 25 years from now but right now.
Well, today the Texas Department of Transportation said the best way to address those concerns is to do nothing, at least for now.
“What matters may not be beautiful”
An old San Antonio gas station, faded and flaking in the sun, weeds licking its foundation, has risen to the top out of almost 2,000 historical sites entered in a national online photo contest.
After months of submissions to the “This Place Matters” contest, the National Trust for Historic Preservation picked 12 finalists and last week put them up for a public vote. Voting ends this Friday, so anything can happen, but by today the San Antonio photo of a Humble Oil station led with 14 percent.
Roads Safety: cars Roads Safety
by Patrick
Comments Off on Most owners mistreat their cars
Most owners mistreat their cars
Are you running your car ragged?
Chances are, you might not even know it if you were, a recent AAA survey indicates. Some 62 percent of motorists run their vehicles hard but just 6 percent know they do.
That means almost two in three people often drive:
- Fewer than five miles in normal temperatures or less than 10 when it’s freezing.
- In stop-and-go traffic in hot weather.
- Slower than 50 miles per hour over long distances.
- On roads that are dusty, muddy or have salt, sand or gravel spread on them.
- Towing a trailer, carrying a camper (if a pickup truck) or with items latched to a roof rack or stowed in a carrier.
Now, many motorists know they drive like that, they just don’t know that they ought to be replacing parts and fluids more often, AAA says. Owner’s manuals usually list two different maintenance schedules — one for normal driving and one for severe workouts.
So most cars likely don’t get the upkeep they should.
How about that. Looks like I’ll be going over my maintenance recommendations.
Construction and closures Roads: closures construction Loop 410 Roads
by Patrick
Comments Off on Loop 410 closed Saturday
Loop 410 closed Saturday
Workers will close eastbound Loop 410 on the Northeast Side this Saturday so they can set bridge beams.
Crews will divert motorists to a frontage road from 2 a.m. to as late as 6 p.m., according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Traffic will probably start backing up on the freeway’s main lanes shortly after sunrise.
To skip the mess, drivers can use Wurzbach Parkway or Austin Highway. Or, like I’ll do from the Northwest Side, you can swing wide to Loop 1604.
Click the map to find routes.
Check TransGuide for current highway conditions.
Here we go
This is the start of a journey by three guys (bios) interested in transportation.
We’re not sure where it’s headed, which is a good thing, since most of the fun lies in uncharted areas. But we’re starting from a realization that transportation is a web that binds and builds communities and commerce. How we get around, and the ways to make it happen, helps shape everything from our personal lives to the economy.
That’s a nice broad topic, strewn with beaten paths and roads less traveled, to explore. We’ll probably wander afar. But we’re sure to tread in San Antonio and Texas, talking about toll roads and light rail, the latest construction and closures, telling tales from the road and who knows what else.
So welcome. Drop by any time. Join the conversation. Nudge us in new directions.