The worst HOV system & road reconstruction (Dallas, Howe: how much, tax)

[Runnn]

Memo to TXDOT and those responsible for city & county road projects:

You all had better develop a comprehensive plan to start systematically reconstructing Dallas' roads, bridges and streets, not talking about patching holes in concrete roads with asphalt either. DFW needs piece by piece & section by section reconstruction or we're going to find ourselves missing out on future business opportunities as well. Infrastructure is going to become a huge buzzword (like energy) over the next several decades... moving forward this is going to become a key component in the definition of what makes a city "world class." Happily, there are some positive road examples in Dallas, Collin & Tarrant counties although not nearly enough to get excited about given how much we are taxed.

Also, get rid of those ridiculous pylons around the HOV lanes and get with the times please. I've traveled to lots of cities across the country and have yet to see those ridiculous pylons used effectively or in the manner they are being used in Dallas? It is absurd! Not only are they annoying but they are extremely unsafe. No wonder why they aren't being used as much as the experts predicted. Repeat after me: If it is a good transportation system drivers will utilize it, and if it isn't they won't. There is nothing magical here... I am really starting to wonder if the TXDOT, DART and other road zars have stock/ownership in these pylon companies?

I am beginning to wonder if our government leaders have ever heard of the term benchmarking?? I'm sure the citizens of DFW can't be the only ones who'd think this pylon idea is absurd. Essentially, why not do what most cites have already done or are in the process of doing... clearly mark all HOV lanes with thick white or colored reflective paint and identify with the with the diamond sign, negating any need for a pylon and its base. Heck, go ahead and install cameras if there is a concern about violators abusing the HOV system as that would be a better use of our tax dollars.. Why is replacing broken pylons and dealing with punctured tires deemed acceptable? Taxpayers are being fleeced!!

Lastly, perhaps these are the same folks who think lowering (by repeal) the speed limits are the answer to our costly gasoline. If one wishes to slowdown and conserve one most certainly can under the current speed limits. However, we don't need to legislate a change which doesn't address the real issue and is costly (changing out all the above 55 mph signs around the country). We deserve better!!

The following is a contact link to our U.S. Senator John Cornyn:
.: United States Senator John Cornyn, Texas :: Contact :. (http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm - broken link)