AASHTO Journal, 19 July 2013
Texas Department of Transportation this week designated 67 miles of regional roadways as a portion of the new Interstate 69 in the Rio Grande Valley in an effort to attract international commerce and enhance mobility in the area.
“As the booming population of Texas continues to add more vehicles to our roads, we must find ways to keep motorists moving safely and efficiently,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson in a statement. “An interstate designation carries the highest design standard of any class of highway, so we are proud to have more miles of I-69 added to the map of Texas.”
The new I-69, once completed, will become a 1,600-mile-long highway that reaches from Michigan to the State of Texas. I-69 is currently being developed on existing roadways as a major artery for moving freight. TxDOT has long made the case for I-69, citing the growing population and traffic growth, the need for greater safety (which interstates provide with bridges and overpasses at crossroads and entrance and exit ramps), greater capacity for emergency evacuation routes, and the opportunity for economic development.
“This marks a milestone for Texas, especially South Texas, as the signs unveiled today symbolize growth, connectivity and economic development for a critical region of our great state,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin. “The Rio Grande Valley has experienced tremendous growth over the past three decades and we’re pleased to take this important step toward safely mobilizing a growing population while nurturing the economic prosperity of this hub for international trade.”
Additional information on TxDOT’s efforts in establishing I-69 is available here.