2006.01.13

The Feds in an unusually harsh rebuke to a state DOT have issued a stop work order to Texas DOT on their US281 toll lanes project in the northern part of San Antonio. Assistant FHWA administrator Achille Alonzi wrote TxDOT exec-dir Michael Behrens "our prior environmental clearances on the two US 281 projects are hereby withdrawn." He sided with critics of the project who said it had not been subjected to the legally required environmental review and public consultation.

TxDOT had requested federal support in fighting a lawsuit by Aquifer Guardians in Urban Areas and People for Efficient Transportation, which is campaigning against TxDOT plans for tolls. Instead of supporting TxDOT FHWA decided the opponents had a point. Alonzi said a full environmental impact statement may be required, which would delay the project two or three years, though for the moment a less onerous Environmental Assessment is all that is required.

TxDOT which seems extraordinarily unlucky (or inept) in the San Antonio area had begun early brush clearing and grading work in December when the contractor tore up a sewage line - generating a serious stink.

TxDOT's plan is to build a "starter system" of 35km (22mi) most on TX1604 but with the beginning of a much longer route on US281. This involves converting a 2x3 lane freeway into a 4 roadway road with express toll lanes in the center and free lanes on the outside. TXDOT has generated great opposition by using tax money for the starter system of toll lanes. Their plan is for the system to be operated as tollroads by the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority which would use the profits to extend the system to 80km (50mi).

US281 is the north-south backbone of the most rapidly developing North Central part of San Antonio and enhancement of the existing 6 lane expressway is needed - as is an upgrade of the east-west TX1605 and interchanges in the area.

TOLLROADSnews 2006-01-12