|
Those who live and commute in the Houston Metroplex know the truth of this unfounded pessimism. Toll Road statistics show that in the last five years, use of the toll road network has expanded from 450,000 to 790,000 daily trips. This increase in use has necessitated continued expansion of the toll road network, bringing new lanes and overpass construction, a toll road spur from the Hardy to George Bush International Airport, the completion of the new West Park Toll Road, and the recently opened Fort Bend Parkway.
In an effort to increase funding and expedite toll road construction, the toll Road Authority increased toll charges by 25% in 2003. Although this produced a short-term dip in patronage, within six months usage was back to its original volume increasing revenue and the States ability to fund further needed expansion.
So successful is the toll road concept in the Greater Houston Metroplex, that Fort Bend County with the assistance of TXDOT has formed its own Toll Road Authority. In August 2004, Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority opened the Fort Bend Parkway, which will link Beltway 8 and the Sam Houston Tollway with Hwy. 6, providing increased access to Fort Bend County, Missouri City and BELTWAY CROSSING.
|
