This is a very engaging and shocking story and it puts
an emphasis on how the Government strategizes to squeeze out every last penny
they can. Local commuters using Highway 183 south feel they are being cheated
by the Texas Transportation Commission. For years drivers have been traveling
183 with speed limits of 65 miles per hour. They are now faced with a lower
speed of 55 miles per hour. The problem began when the new 130 toll road was
constructed to run in the center of 183. The new toll road will not just have the
fastest speed in Texas but also the nation, going a staggering speed of 85
miles per hour. Why should regular commuters be punished by having to go 55
miles per hour on highway 183? … In short it’s all about the money. Stephan
Edelstein, journalist for Digital Trends, reported, “That the 85 mile per hour
speed limit included an economic incentive for the state government. The states
contract with the toll operation allows it to collect a $67 million upfront
cash payment, or a certain percentage of the toll profits if the speed limit is
80 miles per hour. If the speed limit is above 80 miles per hour the state gets
$100 million or a higher percentage of the profits”. In conclusion you might be
interested in reading Ben Wear’s take on the story in Austin American Statesman.
