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The Texas Transportation Commission has selected AGL Constructors as the developer of the I-35E project from I-635 in Dallas County to US 380 in Denton County. The project to rebuild one of the state's most congested highways will improve existing lanes of the interstate, provide continuous frontage roads and construct new, reversible managed toll lanes to keep traffic moving at 50 mph. Construction on the 28-mile corridor is slated to begin in 2013, with completion expected in late 2016. The Commission made the selection during its Dec. 13 regular monthly meeting in Austin. In other business, the Commission:
Give the Gift of a Sober Ride Home
The holidays are a time for celebrating. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when alcohol-related crashes increase. During last year's holiday season (Dec. 1, 2011 through Jan. 1, 2012) there were 2,462 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 842 serious injuries and 78 fatalities. TxDOT's Holiday P.A.S.S. (Person Appointed to Stay Sober) campaign urges Texans to make a commitment to safety this season. Designate a driver before you arrive at an event or party. If you drink, don't drive. For tips on planning ahead for sober drivers » TxDOT Podcast: Holiday P.A.S.S.
The weekly TxDOT Podcast keeps you updated on the latest transportation news and issues, and new episodes are published every Friday on the TxDOT website, www.txdot.gov. In this week's podcast, we talk with Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Robbie Barrera about TxDOT's Holiday P.A.S.S. (Person Appointed to Stay Sober) campaign that stresses the importance of planning for a sober ride home. Episodes are also available on iTunes. Plan to Attend the 2013 Texas Transportation Forum!
The 8th Annual Texas Transportation Forum, set for Feb. 17-19 at the Hilton Austin, is eight weeks away. The Forum will feature a number of notable speakers and expert panelists discussing a variety of topics, including the Panama Canal expansion and how technology is reshaping your transportation options. Reserve your hotel room and register now for your seat at the table. We hope to see you in Austin in 2013!
Texas Highways: Texas To-Do'sThe January issue of Texas Highways provides your 2013 travel calendar with the 12 Texas to-do's that you "can't miss, must do, can't call yourself a Texan, see 'em before they're gone…list." The official travel magazine of Texas also features articles on the trail of our famous outlaws; the charm of the East Texas town of Winnsboro; and the top 10 festival picks for 2013. Follow the magazine on Twitter and Facebook. Learn how to get a free trial issue » Central Texas Toll Roads Going Cashless
On Jan. 1, toll roads in the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS) will convert to an all-electronic payment system. Drivers will have the option to pay their tolls by mail or purchase a TxTag, which can save them up to 25 percent on tolls. The new system was implemented following a decision by the Texas Transportation Commission to remove the cash payment option for the CTTS on Loop 1, SH 45 North and Segments 1-4 of SH 130, between I-35 in Georgetown and US 183 near Mustang Ridge. The Austin area's newest toll roads, including SH 45 SE, have opened as all-electronic roadways. Dynamic Map Aids I-35 Travelers
As part of its efforts to better inform Texans about the extensive construction on I-35 in Central Texas, TxDOT has added a new level to its DriveTexas mapping tool: a dynamic traffic map that provides real-time information on closures affecting I-35. Users can find information regarding closures on main lanes, frontage roads, ramps, and cross streets, as well as real-time speeds. The map features full details on each closure, active and upcoming, as well as one-click zoom capability. Future enhancements will add estimated travel times to destinations along the corridor and information about known incidents that might slow down traffic. To access the new map, visit DriveTexas.org and click on I-35 near Waco on the map or go to My35.org and click on "Waco District I-35 Conditions." New Waco District Engineer
Bobby Littlefield, P.E., is the new Waco District engineer, effective Jan. 1. A 28-year TxDOT veteran, Littlefield has been the Paris District engineer since 2003. He began his TxDOT career in 1984 as an engineering assistant in the Sulphur Springs Area Office and holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He was awarded the department's Dewitt C. Greer Award in 2003 for excellence in the engineering field.
Reduced Toll Road Debt Saves State $200 millionTxDOT recently refinanced $810.3 million of outstanding debt used to fund the Central Texas Turnpike System around Austin, saving the state about $200 million over the life of the bonds. The savings were the result of an improved credit rating and lower interest rates than when the bonds were initially sold. Rail Conference Slated for January
The future of regional freight and passenger rail will be among the topics explored at the 9th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference, set for Jan. 24-25, in the Grand Hall at historic Dallas Union Station. The only all-rail conference held each year in Texas is hosted by Texas Rail Advocates. Bill Glavin, director of TxDOT's Rail Division, will be among the featured speakers. Registration is now open and a special discounted hotel rate is available at the Hyatt Regency - Downtown Dallas. All inquiries may be directed to AskTxDOT@txdot.gov. |
