In recent years Austin has experienced a great deal of growth, both in population and infrastructure. However the infrastructure of our roads and highways is lagging behind, which has led to Austin having the 3rd worst traffic in the U.S. according to the Austin American Statesman. Thus I propose an initiative be undertaken to improve the flow of our roads.
There are numerous benefits that the restructuring of Austin’s roads would bring, that far outweigh the initial cost of doing so. For better roads would among other things lead to an increase in business, in part due to commuters spending less time in traffic and more time in stores and the workplace. As well as attracting more businesses to expand into Austin, for compounding good roads, with a modern economy, and centralized location would be irresistible to businesses. And in regards to our environment—the inherent decrease in time drivers would spend sitting in traffic would also lead to less fossil fuel being burned wastefully. Thus by improving our roads, we would also be reducing the enormous amount of emissions produced on Austin’s roadways.
There have by all means been numerous roadway projects in recent years; however they are only band aids when in comparison to what is needed. So how can we fix such a crucial part of our Cities infrastructure?--By focusing on I-35, which is undoubtedly the most congested. Yet where it gets complicated is that due to I-35s location between historical monuments, the University of Texas, and even the Texas State cemetery, it cannot be fixed directly. Thus the only solution is to improve our other slightly less congested roads such as Mopac, so as to reduce their traffic which will in turn disperse I-35’s traffic.
Unfortunately, an overhaul of our road system would cost a tremendous amount of money—which in a recession such as now would be hard to come by. However, if we wait any longer to do so the cost will only multiply in size as our City grows even more so in population and business. For as of now our City is doing quite well economically compared to other cities in America, yet not for long if our roads continue to handicap us. So to safeguard Austin’s future economy and population, it is only logical that an initiative be undertaken sooner rather than later, which requires that we embrace expansion instead of hindering it.
In his post, Traffic in Austin, Robert Anderson argues that we need to invest our money into a better roadway infrastructure in Austin. He talks about the increase in business, the benefits for the economy, and the benefits for the environment.
ReplyDeleteHe argues that businesses would benefit because people would be able to get to work faster, and thus spend more time working. I would add that they would be less stressed, and thus more productive with their time.
He argues of the benefits for the environment, saying that it would reduce time spent on the road, and thus reduce pollution. I agree.
I do, however, think that there's another alternative. Better public transportation. I just got back from spending three weeks in Spain, and the thing that impressed me most in Madrid was the public transportation system. I ride the bus and train here, and ride my bike as well. For example, I was at the Rio Grande Campus for the first half of the summer. I had to walk 4 blocks uphill from my class to the bus stop, wait half an hour, ride the bus farther north than my house, catch another bus 15 minutes after that one let me off, and then walk just over a mile to my house. (A mile wasn't far enough for me to bring my bike.) It took me about 2 hours after my class was over to get home. When I go to NRG in the fall, I ride 3 miles to the train station on my bike, wait for the train, and take it, and then catch the bus to campus.
In Spain, there was a bus stop 100 feet from our hotel, and a metro stop about 200 feet away. At the metro stop, you didn't worry if you walked in right as the train was leaving. There would be another one running the exact same route in less than 5 minutes. And they were fast, you could get almost anywhere in the city in half an hour, and that included walking time.
I think we need to implement a system like theirs, where trains and busses run more often, and run to more places. I saw very few cars, and lots of people walking, and riding the metro there. I believe that doing this would cut down on traffic issues, benefit the environment, and benefit the economy, and would be a healthier solution than simply improving our roads.
I'm also going to throw in a poem I wrote in high school about being stuck in traffic. Enjoy. Or else.
Two miles.
So long to go,
a mere two miles.
The fog, mixed like a drink with poison,
containing cigarette smoke,
gasoline fumes.
So oppressive.
Oh, to be late for work,
to blame: others.
The infinite line of cars,
creating a road with their roofs
stretching on, forever.
Not a break in sight.
The feeling of their radios,
beating, like a heart.
The slow, low growl, of the engines
drinking, slowly, great, hulking beasts.
Awaiting their chance to pounce,
for the smallest space.
Heat, increasing, dissipating the fog.
Almost, as if drinking the poison.
Still remaining, smells.
Cigarettes, and the heating asphalt.
Bubbling, like a anger,
the anger of impatience.
All in a day's trip to work.