CATC Mobility Headlines

The April 2007 Central Texas Turnpike System report is now available. In this issue:

• SH 45N Opens to Traffic Between RM 620 and US 183

• SH 130 Update

• State Highway 45/Loop 1 Update

The free ride continues through the end of May for US 183A drivers with a TxTag account. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) will not charge active TxTag holders. TxTag users will also receive a 50% discount in June and a 10% discount over cash thereafter. Some segments of 183A have electronic payment only toll plazas. Get a TxTag sticker and open an account through this site or by calling us at 1-888-GoTxTag (1-888-468-9824).

Friday, May 4 - SH 130 Dell Diamond Sign Unveiling - 10AM @ SH 130/CR 190.

Come celebrate a new sign that will take you out to the ballgame! RSVP to 512.694.7797 or Nancy.Ledbetter@hdrinc.com.

The March 2007 Central Texas Turnpike System report is now available.

The Senate Transportation Committee will hold a hearing April 23 on the Pickle Parkway Bill (HB 2296) in Hearing Room E1.016. The Senate Committee meeting begins at 8:00 AM.

Additional details on the hearing are available here.

Update: The bill passed 6-0 and has been sent to the uncontested calendar.

TXDOT is preparing to open another portion of SH 45N (RM 620 W to to US 183), one of the last portions of the tollroad. The westbound lanes will open to traffic on Apr 26 and the eastbound lanes on Apr 27.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April 23.

Northern half of SH 45 to open next week - Austin Business Journal

On Mar 22, TXDOT and Cintra-Zachry signed the final contract for the private consortium tobuild and operate SH 130 Segments 5 & 6 (Mustang Ridge to Seguin) for the next 50 years. Under the agreement, Cintra-Zachry will cover design, land and construction costs and TXDOT retains ownership of the land. TXDOT will receive $25 million upfront and a minimum of 4.65 percent of the road’s toll revenue, with a potential increase of up to 50 percent.

The lease contract signing exempts the project from a proposed legislative two-year moratorium on concession agreements.

State Highway 130 (Segments 5 and 6) - TXDOT

State Highway 130: A Model For Public–Private Partnerships - Keep Texas Moving

Cintra-Zachry to finish 130 - Taylor Daily Press

Sen. Kirk Watson announced he plans to file three bils concerning land use along SH 130. The bills would allow small cities land control over extra-territorial jurisdictions within 15 miles of SH 130, provide limited zoning powers within 15 miles of SH 130 for Travis and Williamson Counties, and create an infrastructure district within five miles of SH 130 and within Austin’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, allowing the district to collect sales and property tax to pay for utilities and infrastructure.

Watson will hold a press conference on Friday, Mar 9, at 10:30 AM on the South Steps of the Capitol Building to announce the filing of the bills.

The US 183A toll road is opening Saturday, March 3, with a community-wide celebration. The festivities will take place at the Park Street Toll Plaza and will include the Road to Hope 5K Fun Run, carnival rides, kid-friendly activities and live musical performances by the Dust Devils, Eight Ball Down and Ray Benson featuring members of Asleep at the Wheel. A complimentary BBQ lunch with cotton candy, popcorn and other concessions will also be provided. The event is free to the public with proceeds benefiting Hope Alliance, an organization providing support to Williamson County families during times of crisis.

Click here for parking directions, additonal information about the 183A Grand Opening and to register for The Road to Hope 5k Fun Run.

If you have a child between the ages of 3-6, and they have a PowerWheels or other battery-powered car, they could be among the first to drive on US 183A - click here for details.

Schedule of Events
8:30 AM - Road to Hope Fun Run (registration begins at 7 AM)
9:00 AM - Community Festival begins
11:00 AM - Opening Ceremony
12 Noon - Ray Benson, featuring members of Asleep at the Wheel
2:00 PM - Community Festival ends

Sen. Kirk Watson announces the filing of SB 688 - Tolls Transparency and Accountability Act, which you may have read about in today’s news (Austin American Statesman).   A copy of the bill text in .pdf format is available at http://catransco.org/Documents/Legis/State/SB00668.pdf

Briefly, the bill would:

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