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Newsroom
10/9/2007
The next phase of the Central Texas toll road plan wins approval from the board of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. That vote by the CAMPO board will clear the way for tolls on new lanes of US 183, US 290, State Highway 71, the “Y” in Oak Hill, and the construction of a new toll road, SH 45 South West.
Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt vote for the toll road plan, but wanted to see some changes. She wanted to take profits from the toll roads and use that money to build other transportation projects to relieve traffic congestion.
"The idea is that if someone is going to have a toll road stretch between their home and their place of work, that I want that toll revenue to be available to give them other options besides having to use the toll road to get to work in a reasonable time," Eckhardt said. "I want to make sure that the feeder roads are good quality, that they're safe, and that as soon as a toll road opens...if you want to do a carpool, you can also access that tollway without having to pay the toll."
“What we are talking about is options which will allow people to choose,” said Gary Farmer with the group Take On Traffic. “Some may choose the toll all the time, some may choose it some of the time. But the main thing to remember is there will always be free alternatives.”
Dozens of members of Take On Traffic filled the auditorium of Anderson High School for the CAMPO board meeting, as did dozens of toll road opponents. They left the meeting disappointed with the vote, but many said they were not surprised. “I think it stinks. I’m totally against the toll roads, period,” said David Mullins.
“It’s a corrupt deal,” agreed Russell Doyle. “I think they sold us out.”
Organizers of anti-toll groups like AustinTollParty.com say they will turn their attention to replacing those elected officials who serve on the CAMPO board and supported the toll roads. “Election day for city and county elections will be in March and May,” said Sal Costello. “I kind of feel like a young boy at Christmas. I just can’t wait to see who we can knock off.”
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