According to the Texas DOT, a discount which will allow drivers to travel Highway 130 at the same ($18.50) cost as passenger vehicles (as opposed to the usual $69) – will end much sooner than expected.
This program began in April 2013, and has since successfully gotten drivers to run along Highway 130 – this program intended to alleviate congestion on I-35.
The program was much more successful than anticipated, as the $11 million dollars which was allocated to pay for it is already nearly spent.
As of December 1st, the regular toll rates will apply to segments 5 and 6 which stretch from Mustang Ridge to Seguin. However segments 1-4 will continue operating as they have been until the finds deplete in January. – This decision was made since drivers typically use segments 1-4 to bypass downtown Austin.
This discount caused traffic on Highway 130 to increase by 44% in 2013.
Highway 130 has the highest speed limit in the country.
Sources
Austin Got News Wire
KXAN
Transport Topics
