Has the cost of widening existing interstates been studied as an alternative to TTC-35?
It seems like widening the less developed sections of existing interstates and providing loops (such as SH 130) around the most urbanized sections would be cheaper than entire new corridors. First, there is no state money to build loops around the metropolitan areas. As envisioned, TTC-35 will primarily use private funds. Second, building loops would provide only temporary relief to congestion and would not address the long-term problem or provide the capacity required over the next several decades. Finally, the costs to purchase and relocate businesses, public buildings, schools and homes preclude expansion in the areas that most need it. In short, the current system of building and funding roads will not meet Texas’ needs in the future. It will take new solutions.
