The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is getting rid of the HOV barriers on part of U.S. 75 and converting them into peak-hour technology lanes.
During peak hours, these technology lanes would only be open to HOVs, “low-emission vehicles,” and motorcycles, according to a news release.
The change will be made on the stretch of highway running from I-635 in Dallas County to the Sam Rayburn Tollway in Collin County, per the release.
The Dallas Express first reported on the upcoming HOV changes in late February.
TxDOT plans on removing the plastic white pylons that separate HOV lanes from the rest of the highway and replacing them with “broken white stripes to allow for continuous ingress and egress between the technology lanes and general-purpose lanes,” according to the release.
Tony Hartzel, a spokesman for TxDOT spoke to Fox 4 and explained the reason for the change.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that the pylons are not very popular, and they haven’t worked well,” said Hartzel.
“Those were intended to keep people in the lanes but allow people to get out in emergencies. But it’s become somewhat of a challenge to maintain those. And so, what we’re looking at now, the good news is motorists can get in and out of these technology lanes wherever they deem appropriate during those hours it’s available,” he said, per Fox 4.
During peak hours in the morning, HOV restrictions would apply. In the afternoon, however, all drivers would be allowed to use the lanes.
“The proposed typical section would consist of four 11-foot general-purpose lanes in each direction, one 11- to 12-foot peak-hour technology lane in each direction, 10- to 11-foot outside shoulders, and a variable inside shoulder with concrete median barrier,” the release reads.
“Twenty-two hours out of the day, any vehicle will be able to use this lane. But during peak hours, that would be 7 to 9 a.m. southbound and 4 to 6 p.m. northbound that would be for HOV only and low emission vehicles only,” said Hartzel.
The project will cost taxpayers about $60 million. Most of the funds will come from TxDOT’s regional and federal partners, according to the release.
Construction is set to begin later this year.
Tech lanes, another WORTHLESS, WORTHLESS, traffic system/process..just like the HOV lane, at least the white plastic pylon company made money, ya see,it doesn’t Matter if a system works or helps the public in RED STATES, as long as someone makes money..period.