Trans Texas Corridor Moves Down The Road

ONE-STOP INFRASTRUCTURE: The Trans Texas Corridor is a projected 50-year project that will cost between $145.2 billion and $183.5 billion. The overall project will incorporate six rail lines (accommodating both commuters and freight), multiple highway lanes (with separate sub-corridors for trucks and passenger vehicles) and dedicated space for water, petroleum, utility and telecommunications lines. "The Trans Texas Corridor is a Texas-sized idea," says Mike Behrens, Texas Dept. of Transportation executive director, whose agency gave the project its stamp of approval in June 2002. "It is the largest engineering project ever proposed for this state, much more extensive than the Capitol, the Galveston seawall, Texas' portion of the Interstate highway system, you name it." Nearly 4 million people live within 10 miles (16 km.) of the project's four designated priority corridors.

        The corridor -- up to 1,200 feet (366 m.) wide -- will include separate lanes for passenger vehicles and trucks, and six rail lines with three in each direction for high-speed passenger rail plus commuter and freight rail. It would also include a dedicated utility zone for water lines, petroleum pipelines, electricity and data lines.
        Gov. Rick Perry proposed the corridor in January and Texas transportation planners estimate it to be a 50-year project costing between $145.2 billion and $183.5 billion. Planners envision costs to be paid through a public-private effort with tolls, bonds and other financing tools.
        The report identifies four routes as possible priority segments (see map). Over the next several months, the Texas DOT will hold public meetings to solicit input and will also solicit private funding proposals. In January 2003, environmental hearings will begin, followed by right-of-way acquisition for corridor preservation.
        "We're open for business and ready to see what the private sector can bring to the table," says Randall Dillard, Texas DOT spokesman.
        Another significant infrastructure project is under way in San Antonio, where McCarthy Building Companies is nearing completion on a $49-million upgrade of the I-10/I-410 interchange, the busiest in the area with more than 350,000 motorists using it daily.
        The project elevates three of eight connectors forming the interchange to allow motorists to change interstates by making a sweeping 90-degree turn, as opposed to spiraling around a complete 270 degrees. The upgrade is part of the $861-million, 10-year project to improve Loop 410.