Wednesday, October 05, 2005

"Toll roads here in Comal County won't become reality, at leaast with the current commissioners' court."

Commissioners voice dissent with TxDOT over tollroads

10/5/2005

By JOHN KASTNER, Correspondent
Canyon Lake Times Guardian News Weekly
Copyright 2005

There are many traffic problems along US Highway 281 and State Highway 46, many of which have created serious accidents and concerns.

Last Thursday, Comal County Judge Danny Scheel said "toll roads here in Comal County won't become reality, at leaast with the current commissioners' court."

Toll roads are a hot topic in the Texas Department of Transportation's development arsenal. Right here in Comal County, residents ­ espeecially along US 281 and Texas 46, say "no way."

Most of the county officials say the proposal sounds eye-catching but in general "it's way off focus to fit most of the local needs."

Scheel believes that the only way such a system can be safely constructed is with the combined effort of TxDOT.

"TxDOT may have the final word in years to come if they can come up with a master plan," Scheel said.

According to statistics, roughly 60-percent of Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Sattler and Bulverde-area travel into the San Antonio metro area each day.

For Scheel and the commissioners, awareness exists of the traffic problems out there, so when the timing is right they will have a solution that is standard.

In the meantime, TxDOT has their work cut out for them, especially in convincing the area residents tollroads are the answer.

Canyon Lake Times Guardian www.timesguardian.com

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