Honkin' Mad

TxDot top man steps down

Michael Behrens, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation, is leaving the agency after 36 years. Behrens announced his retirement in a letter Tuesday -- the day after a tumultuous legislative session in which Behrens' leadership was called into question -- to Texas Transportation Commission chairman Ric Williamson. READ THE LETTER HERE

Behrens began his career in the Yoakum district. During his tenure, the agency dramatically expanded efforts to improve Texas roads. But the agency also embarked upon a plan to build roads with debt, toll financing and private investments. That led to a severe anti-toll backlash, which peaked during the legislative session that ended Monday. During that session, TxDot was frequently referred to as a rogue, out-of-control state agency.

Air Car

Pffffft! The sound you'd hear at an Air Car filling station.

A car that runs on COMPRESSED AIR is set to debut in India.

No rail relocation?

North Texas toll projects survived the legislative session, but efforts to replace freight rail lines with passenger rail suffered a setback ...

Arlington mayor worried about stadium roads

Will Arlington highways be ready when the Dallas Cowboys arrive in '09?

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck appeared today on KTCK-AM 1310, and told host Norm Hitzges he's worried that the Texas Department of Transportation is running behind. He said ground was supposed to break two months ago on Interstate 30 expansion. Although some of the work will take at least three years, the contractor has financial incentives to complete the new Baird Farm Road extension to the new stadium by 2009.

(Cluck, far right)

"Now I'm getting very nervous whether everything can be finished by the time they play their first game," Cluck said.

As luck would have it, Honkin' Mad ran into TxDot spokeswoman Jodi Hodges a few minutes later. Hodges said the projects "are having some right-of-way and utility issues," but the agency is confident they can still be built on time.

Read more about the stadium transportation plans HERE ...

T Riders Watch Your Wallets

Bus and train fares may soon go up in Tarrant County.

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority is seeking comment on the proposed increases. The T's board of directors will decide on the fares June 21.

Among the changes: Reduced fares for seniors, disabled and student riders will increase to $25 a month, up from $15.

A chart of the proposed fare changes:

What can you do about it?

* Call the T hotline by June 11 at 817-215-8669

* Write the T by picking up a comment card at the Intermodal Transportation Center, Ninth at Jones streets in downtown Fort Worth.

* E-mail the T at tweb@the-t.com or go to the T's home page at www.the-t.com

Erase the borders with Mexico, Canada?

Not so, according to North America's SuperCorridor Coalition, which says it's only advocating economic development among the countries ... and funding for the I-35 corridor.

Read about it HERE

NASCO's official web site is www.nascocorridor.com ... The group is holding its annual conference this week in Fort Worth.

There are plenty of groups opposed to NASCO's mission. An example can be found AT THIS SITE

Slow down, good buddy ...

Folks in Johnson County are tired of truck traffic on back roads ...

Jersey Guv Wants a Do-Over

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine was critically injured in an April car crash and now wishes he had been wearing a seat belt. Watch the public service announcement now.

Gas prices in '81 v. '07

Was the price of gas more painful in '81 than now? AAA offers a comparison, in today's dollars. READ IT

MEMORIAL DAY TRAVEL TIPS

More than 32.1 million drivers will travel during the Memorial Day weekend, and that means lots of people competing for highway space, not only with other cars, but also motorcycles, RVs and the like.

Tips to share the road, from Nationwide Insurance:

1. Be aware of blind spots. Always signal and check sight lines before merging or changing lanes.

2. Pay attention to wind velocity, and anticipate that some vehicles can get blown out of their lane.

3. Watch for loose items flying out of boats, off luggage racks, etc.

4. Stay in your lane while turning.

5. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.