2002-01-28 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman Johnson Speech to TEX21 Page 3� cion is that the high points might focus on the following: • In accordance with the minute orders adopted in October 1999 and June 2001, all new interstate highways, new location freeways or relief routes shall be constructed as a controlled access facility with no frontage roads, unless required for circuitry of travel. Access rights for development will not be granted. • The Executive Director must approve all other frontage roads after completion of a traf- fic study that shows the frontage road will have little or no negative impact to the op- erations of the main lanes. • Any requests for exceptions to the above will be brought before the Commission for their consideration. • All release of access control shall continue to be brought to the Commission for ap- proval in accordance with the existing policy. Let me emphasize the following: Point 1 refers only to new facilities. Point 2 allows the Ex- ecutive Director to approve other frontage roads as long as they have minimal impact on the main lanes. Points 3 & 4 place exception and access control authority with the Commission and add significant flexibility. In closing, allow me to give you my interpretation. Earlier, I mentioned a "change in starting points." In essence, instead of assuming frontage roads with access rights, we now start with the premise, no frontage roads, no access rights. From that point, the corridor is studied and if it will support frontage roads without impeding mobility and impacting, in a negative way, safety, frontage roads could be justified. My friend and fellow Commissioner, Robert Nichols, puts our dilemma in these terms: 25% of the Interstate System in the Metro or Urban areas are at 95% capacity. An- other 40% are at 80%. The current forecast is for an approximate 50% increase in traffic in the next 18 years. For starters, it just won't fit! Secondly, if we continue to develop frontage roads, it impacts our most vital corridors, and adds traffic to the main lanes for which we do not have the resources, either sufficient R.O. W. or available funds, to expand. Thank you for your time. I'll be happy to take any questions.