Apparently, the state and federal governments are so strapped for cash that the only way to widen I-35E is to put in toll lanes. The project, to add capacity between Farmers Branch and Denton, requires $2.9 billion, and only $535 million exists.
U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, is one of the proponents of the plan. You can email him with your thoughts through his web site. Interestingly, the release on the site that details yesterday’s news conference doesn’t use the word toll once.
Once again, just in case any politicians aren’t paying attention: No. No. No. Once they start tolling free highways, there is no turning back. If it’s I-35E today, then it’s LBJ tomorrow, and Central Expressway the day after that.
