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I-69, I-10 named Corridors of the Future by Feds
09/13/2007
Texas has had two interstate highway segments—out of only six routes—selected for a new federal program to reduce congestion through the development of multi-state corridors.
Interstate 69 from Texas to Michigan and Interstate 10 from California to Florida were selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as part of its “Corridors of the Future” program, which the USDOT says is aimed at developing innovative national and regional approaches to reduce congestion and improve efficiency of freight delivery. The program also recognizes that traditional federal funding sources cannot cover the cost of important new corridors, and that new tactics are required.
“The continued federal interest in these corridors highlights how important they are for national congestion relief,” said Steve Simmons, interim executive director for the Texas Department of Transportation. “As Texas continues to grow, we must plan now to make transportation safer, faster and more reliable. It is good to see federal transportation officials recognize the need for new, innovative solutions to the challenges we face.”
The Texas segment of I-69 is being developed as part of the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC-69), which extends from Northeast Texas to Mexico. The goal of TTC-69 is to increase mobility, safety and economic development opportunities through a multi-use transportation system that includes roads, rail and utilities.
Preliminary studies indicate that by 2015, the daily travel demand on I-69 between Texas and Michigan will be approximately 23 million vehicle miles, with trucks being one of every four vehicles.
The USDOT is offering $800,000—divided between Texas and seven other states—to be used for an I-69 innovative financing study.
Estimated cost of the multi-state project is $17 billion. The Texas segment accounts for $6 billion of that estimate.
Texas is also eligible to split $8.6 million with seven other states to reduce congestion on I-10 from California to Florida.
Final agreements are expected to be signed by next spring between the states and the Federal Highway Administration.
