Are there ever going to be any new freeways (i.e. non-toll) in the Plano/Frisco areas? (Dallas: loans, gated)

[Saintmarks]

Why are you going to Quad C in Frisco? Do they not offer what you need at the Spring Creek campus in Plano? At least you would have a true FREEway commute via 635 and 75. But don't expect evening rush hour times to be any better on that route....

[Saintmarks]

Originally Posted by unseengundam

Go look at the NTTA toll project site. They are building few new toll roads in DFW. However, Frisco and Plano are almost out of space for new freeways/tollways. If notice Spring Creek Parkway in Plano actually has space for overpasses over many of the intersections. However, somehow the city of Plano never build those overpasses. It would actually help traffic greatly if they do so.

Several of the intersections along Preston have room for overpasses as well (Preston and Plano Pkwy comes to mind). Always wondered what the original master plan was for them making these intersections with large swaths of acreage in the midst, just intermittent overpasses to help traffic flow or full fledged limited access freeways?

[LV702]

Originally Posted by majicdonjuan

The completed part of the Grand Parkway is less than 6 miles, while the part under DFW is a bit over three miles. Plus you can traverse both areas without paying if you really want to, so like I said originally its a wash for the most part. The Hardy has two parallel freeways so the only time its really used is during the rush hours.

I'm also curious about the TxDOT plans to add toll lanes to all of these free facilities. Anyone aware of the timetables on some of these projects?

I don't want to split hairs, I haven't been to Houston in years, but I'm curious. How do you get by the airport without paying a toll?

[mitotex]

IMO, tollroads suck. I'd much rather pay higher gas tax than mess with (much higher) tolls. With a tax model you are also charging larger vehicles (or those with lower fuel economy) more, which is correct as they tear up the roads more.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by mitotex

IMO, tollroads suck. I'd much rather pay higher gas tax than mess with (much higher) tolls. With a tax model you are also charging larger vehicles (or those with lower fuel economy) more, which is correct as they tear up the roads more.

I agree but unfortunately society's been classically conditioned to shriek whenever they hear the word tax in combination with the words raise or increase.

That's why the dirtbags in Austin get kudos from an ignorant electorate when they leave taxes alone but raise fees.

[DaveG99]

What I found ridiculous was that the tollway was in far worse shape than 75 during the storms last week. And we pay for it!

[PlanoGirl]

Originally Posted by Newbe10

Also, since you mentioned Ohio Dr., I will see if maybe taking that road from Frankford would be much quicker than Preston Rd. on the days when I decide not to drive on the DNT.

FYI...though traffic might be a little less on Ohio, the speed limit is also much lower (through Plano at least) and I often see police cars waiting to catch speeders. There are also a few school zones along Ohio, which may affect your drive time, depending when you are on the road.

[lh_newbie]

The hate toward tollroads amazes me. You have several choices:

1. No more roads, just more congestion.
2. Raise the gas tax.
3. Accept toll roads.

I personally like the concept of toll roads in that you pay per use. Yes, I know that small cars and large SUVs currently pay the same amount, even though the heavier vehicle causes more wear/tear - and yes, I know that someone is paying gas tax on fuel they are using on a toll road. When ever I state my position those are the two top items told to me. I personally believe they are acceptable, though imperfect.

I personally think a bigger long-term funding issue is the electrification of cars. You can raise the gasoline tax all you want. When I buy a plug-in hybrid and cut my gasoline usage 90%, how do you extract money from me and my electric car? Cause I'll be plugging it in at home, into my residential power. No way to extract tax money from me on that at this point. I think this will be a much bigger issue - and toll roads simply don't care what your fuel of choice is. Your vehicle could run on rainbows, and you'd still pay a road use fee.

Brian

[pappy97]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

For now. Collin County is planning to build a tolled outer loop, and they want to add tolled lanes to 75.

Really? What do you know about a tolled outer loop in Collin County? Where would it be planned to run? It can't really be a loop entirely in Collin County, right?

Thanks.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by pappy97

Really? What do you know about a tolled outer loop in Collin County? Where would it be planned to run? It can't really be a loop entirely in Collin County, right?

Thanks.

Here's a PDF straight from the Collin County Commissioner's Court. Collin County has already made their own personal incarnation of the NTTA.