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by ChopperChip from High Above the Metro

Last Post 10 hours Ago


Reflecting on Traffic Around the TMS
Jun 18, 2008 | 1:54 PM
Category: Traffic
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I know the last event at the TMS was 10 days ago, but since Monday of last week I've been reflecting on comments made by Eddie Gossage.  As you know, he's brought racing to DFW and it has been embraced with open arms.  In a press conference after the race, Mr. Gossage was very critical of the highway department and the lack of urgency to address I-35W (He wants it widened).  His basic jist was get it done now or I'm going to have people like Ross Perot Junior raise a stink.

Again I admire and respect what Eddie has done and I understand his frustrations, but here's the way I see it:  The TMS has a handful of events per year and I concede the sheer number of people that go is high.....but what about the thousands of folks on 183 that have to sit in traffic twice a day or the daily parking lot on the North Loop??  And what about the expansion of 121 around the north end of the DFW airport?  In every case TXDOT lack of action speaks volumes.  

If the area around the TMS becomes the next focal point of a TXDOT project before the others mentioned, then it's a shame.

Thanks for letting me put in my two cents!!

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Member Comments Total Comments: 5
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scottythecomic read my blog view my photos
Jun 19, 2008 | 7:03 AM

Three years ago I made the mistake of staying at a motel at 820/35 on a Saturday night during race weekend. My plan was to arise early on Sunday and get a jump on the traffic to the track at Exit 70 on I-35.

We left the hotel at 5:15am, jumped on 35 and it wasn't 3-4 miles later than I ran into the biggest, and slowest, traffic jam I've ever had the displeasure to be in.

When I finally arrived at TMS some 4 hours later I was spitting mad. Subsequent trips (and we go to every race) have been much more enjoyable. We camp out for the weekends now. And on Sundays (or Saturdays on IRL events), we stay and BBQ while the traffic trickles away.

By the time the grill is cool we can drive straight home with little difficulty.

One of the problems I see, based on years of experience coming and leaving TMS, is the lackadaisicalness of the Ft Worth PD. They place cones up and just STAND there. Basically, I see them as a mere deterrent to murder. Other then that, they are quite worthless.
ChopperChip read my blog view my photos
Jun 19, 2008 | 7:03 PM

Should that be the first area widened in Tarrant/Denton County?
scottythecomic read my blog view my photos
Jun 20, 2008 | 4:51 AM

I don't know for certain, Chip. I'm only in that area a half dozen times a year and thus am not really qualified with regard to an opinion on it.

I do know that someone needs to revise, correct and/or motivate the police and traffic situation out at TMS. The bottleneck occurs because of poor exiting. Widening 114 would help, as well as an area leading to an onramp to 35.
ChopperChip read my blog view my photos
Jun 20, 2008 | 12:37 PM

I agree. Wonder how much that's going to cost!
scottythecomic read my blog view my photos
Jun 20, 2008 | 12:56 PM

Well, if we charged but half as much for our exported wheat and corn a bushel as we're charged for oil, I should suppose we could really drive on reeeal wide roads.

Other then that, I don't think the taxpayers want to pay for widening out there, especially if they don't utilize it.
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ChopperChip

Welcome to the chopper zone! If you're new to the area let me introduce myself. My job for FOX 4 is to cover the traffic and breaking news stories from high above the Metroplex! I'm a Texan through and through--born in Austin, raised in North Texas with a degree from TCU. My wife and I have been married for 12 years and we have 2 kids. I love playing golf and watching all sports. I also like to sing and play guitar. My secret goal? Someday I'd love to build my own golf course....but having the ability to retire on one would be great too! If there's anything I can do to help you plan routes through this busy part of Texas please let me know and as always: have a "Good Day!"

Member Since: 5/26/2006


 

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