Manor Expressway/Toll US-290 Austin

[Stephane Dumas]

From http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4646

They are breaking ground on the first phase of their second toll project in the Austin metro area - the Manor Expressway (US290E), a major radial arterial heading east out of downtown Austin. It is being built into a typical modern Texan highway - four roadways, the two central roadways with grade separations expressway-style and tolled straddled by two untolled frontage roadways that meet cross streets at grade with signals.

Phase 1 of the project will consist of a direct connect flyover interchange at US 183 and US290 and a 2.3km (1.4-mile) stretch of three toll express lanes in each direction between US183 and Chimney Hill Boulevard.

Existing two lane frontage roads will be improved but remain non-tolled.

This Phase 1 is expected to open to traffic in 201

Official site at http://www.manorexpressway.com/

[Truvelo]

What is the point of tolling it if the frontage roads are free? Unless the traffic lights on the frontage roads are deliberately timed to frustrate shunpiking wouldn't most people choose the free option?

[agentsteel53]

What is the point of tolling it if the frontage roads are free? Unless the traffic lights on the frontage roads are deliberately timed to frustrate shunpiking wouldn't most people choose the free option?

I would imagine the frontage roads are typical Texas urban - i.e. you'll be moving at an average of 20mph, as opposed to 70, if you elect to not take the freeway lanes.

[burgess87]

If they were smart, they'd extend the freeway expansion past Elgin.  I've lived around there for a few years a while back, and it's really booming.