I-39 (U.S. 59 Interstate)

[Poltracker]

For what it's worth, the attached is an interesting site to peruse w/ regard to freeway construction. Click under the city or area you want to look at then click History to find old photos, can also look at old (and some fairly current) planning maps. One of my favorite photos is one where they are clearing the ROW for highway 59 at Hazard (1958). Also fun to look at the old plans and see how they developed over the years.

http://www.texasfreeway.com/Houston/...ric_maps.shtml

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by KerrTown

That railroad underpass is so dangerous. It seems that it's from the 1920's. I saw a picture of a railroad overpass on Allen Pkwy and I thought I was in Houston again at that crossing in Shepherd.

I know what you mean. The RR overpass (narrow) and the curve at the same place are a bad choke point and dangerous IMO. They are about to be going around it if you have been watching the land that is being cleared just east of it.

[Trae713]

Originally Posted by KerrTown

With today's news of the Trans-Texas Corridor being scrapped, isn't it time for Greater Houston constituents and legislators to push for an upgrade of U.S. 59 to an interstate? I-39 would connect to Rockford, near Chicago, with most of the route making up the north-south transcontinental route and strengthen Houston ties with the largest city/metro in the middle of the country.

You must have missed the entire I-69 plans. I believe it is still in place, but won't be apart of the Trans-Texas Corridor. This freeway will connect to Canada. According to the Interstate System, the number does seem off.

[EasilyAmused]

I am very happy about this. The current I-69 passes right by and through some of the prettiest parts of Texas, not to mention right by my weekend spot.

Glad to see it scrapped for good.

[case44]

Originally Posted by DiverTodd62

I just drove by there last weekend. There are a few stretches that will be easy to convert but there are thousands of homes and businesses with direct driveway access to 59. Not only will that have to go but you'll have to build new access roads for them. And then there's all the bridges, interchanges, and bypasses needed around all the little towns.

What also has to be taken into consideration is grade separating in those sections in order for these interchanges to get built.

[case44]

Originally Posted by Angel713

You must have missed the entire I-69 plans. I believe it is still in place, but won't be apart of the Trans-Texas Corridor. This freeway will connect to Canada. According to the Interstate System, the number does seem off.

It is off, but the consensus wanted one consistent number for the highway rather than using, say, 47 from Memphis to South Texas.

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by tstone

It doesn't seem to be the right number though. Chris-ut mentioned I-47, but was this supposed to run east or west of 45? I thought it was supposed to stay west; if so I-39 sounds about right. I-47 would work if it ran close to the Sabine River.

Maybe I-39 would be more appropriate for Texas but I assure you the plans are for it to be I-69. It will actually cross I-45, running west of it south of Houston and east of it north of Houston.

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by jfre81

You mean a totally different route? I'm sure the people who stood to have their property taken by the state through eminent domain, who opposed the TTC for that reason, would be equally thrilled with this idea.

I didn't say anything about who would be thrilled or chilled, just that it would be cheaper to build a brand new route. And that's one more reason - it's cheaper to acquire undeveloped property than developed property.