In 2002, the Texas Department of Transportation proposed alleviating congestion in the Houston region by expanding a massive freeway. Despite almost two decades of problems, rising traffic fatalities, the astounding proposed cost of $7 billion, the time-tested assurance that new lanes will quickly fill with new traffic, substantial community opposition, a lawsuit from the county itself, and the project’s estimated displacement of 1079 homes, 344 businesses, five places of worship, and two schools, planning for the project continues. [Read more.]
