The wait is over: SH130 opens Oct. 24
By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER
After years of wondering, watching and waiting, Caldwell County residents will finally have the opportunity to drive on the long-discussed State Highway 130, which will open for traffic on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
The controversial highway, seen as some as a harbinger of an economic boom for the area, and by oth
ers as a state-mandated blight, has been a source of both hope and friction for Caldwell County for years. Finally, though, residents will find out exactly what the high-speed highway has to offer.
SH130 has drawn publicity in recent weeks, as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has opted to set an 85 mph speed limit on the section the highway between I-10 near Seguin and SH45 near Mustang Ridge. The speed limit, some say, will encourage commuters to use the toll road at an expected 15 cents per mile, to shorten their commute time.
Others worry that TxDOT”s concurrent decision to lower the speed limit on Highway 183 to 55 mph is a ploy by the state to force drivers to pay the toll. A section of SH130 was built over the already-existing Highway 183, which will now act as an access road for the high-speed tollway.
Prior to the road opening for traffic, TxDOT and the SH130 Concession Company are hosting a community block party, and inviting residents to a Family Fall Festival on Oct. 20 from 10:30 a.m. – noon.
The event, which will include live music, children”s activities, free food and beverages and door prizes will be held on SH130, at the intersection of Highway 142 between Lockhart and Maxwell. In addition, the Main Street Market farmers market, traditionally held on the Caldwell County Courthouse Square, will move to SH130 for the event.
The SH130 Concession Company announced last week that tolls on the new road will be waived, at least for a period of time. Driving on SH130 will be free until Nov. 6, at which point the normal toll rates will be activated.
Both the Caldwell County Commissioners Court and the Lockhart City Council have recently passed resolutions asking TxDOT to reconsider the toll on the newest segments of the tollway, asking for tolls to be either reduced or waived entirely for Caldwell County commuters who will need to use the road to travel to and from work.
There was no indication at press time that a reduction or waiver of the tolls is being seriously considered by TxDOT.
For full coverage of the grand opening of SH130, including the Family Fall Festival, see next week”s Post-Register.
I believe 85 mph is a little to high especially in heavier traffic. I drove on the Autobahn in Germany. Just one crazy driver can cause a pile up with dozens of vehicles.At that speed it’s dificult to stop in time.
On the other side I agree I would be mad if I had to drive to and from work everyday on 183 at 55 mph. Definately seems to be a ploy so you’d choose 130.
I use the toll road between Granger and South Austin a lot, but in this case I will keep on useing 183 out of principle.
Once they start charging tolls and everybody start using 130 access road that used to be known as 183, you better get ready for some traffic. There will be at least 4 traffic lights and 1 maybe 2 stops signs both ways. This is really going to suck for us that will be using 130 access road to go to work or school in Austin. If you do not want to stop or hit traffic lights it will cost you at least $1560.00 additional a year. Find our TXDot office then start writing emails and calling their offices to at least get rid of the stop signs.
Well just too inform you 183 has been dropped to 50 mph now.i didn’t mind 55 but now its all to clear to me that their trying to force us to take 130. Thank you governor Perry.