Supersized Highways

Texas is planning a behemoth, statewide transit system that raises more questions than it answers.

1 minute read

February 9, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The TTC, a 4,000-mile network of asphalt, would consist of corridors a quarter of a mile across. Picture a total of six lanes for cars and four lanes for trucks. Then add six tracks for rail, and throw in room for oil and gas pipelines and utility lines, with high-voltage towers to boot.

...What are the environmental effects of such a mammoth road network on various ecosystems, such as wetlands and prairies? Even Texas cattle ranchers aren't so keen - they'd lose lots of grazing land. How will security issues be addressed on such a mammoth transit route? And what happens at the border of say, Oklahoma, as this giant corridor connects to an ordinary-sized interstate?"

Thanks to Chris Steins

Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in The Christian Science Monitor

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