I agree, why spend billions of dollars constructing a brand new interstate when you could just as easily expand I-35 several lanes wide. I understand the need to do something, because Texas'population will continue to grow and NAFTA is going to bring more trucks and cars to the area.
However, the thing that is strange to me is how they say they are going to build a hub in Kansas City for customs. Which would mean that Mexican and/or Canadian and or Central American (CAFTA) truckdrivers will not be able to stop for food/restrooms in Texas, unless they plan on building TTC only reststops. How is NAFTA supposed to be and open trade regime, if you have people stopping in the middle of the country.
I am actually pro-NAFTA will strict regulations, i.e. labor and environmental. Plus its ironic that in this era of increasing ethanol and cellulosic fuel sources we would pave acres of productive farmland with a road. Its just as easy to expand existing roads, and I-35. Add high speed rail to the major cities, and I suggest digging tunnels in around those major cities. If you're going to spend 184 billion dollars, do it near cities. Smart growth techniques should be considered in this approach to expanding of future growth. I would only consider toll roads if its near the cities.
TTC is only expanding unnecessary sprawl.
If they won't to check cargo then do it at the border.
"Its just as easy to expand existing roads, and I-35. Add high speed rail to the major cities, and I suggest digging tunnels in around those major cities"
Do you have any idea how much this would cost? The price of real estate along I-35 is only exceeded by the cost of digging tunnels. Where will the money come from? TTC-35 is paid for up front by investors who recoup their money by sharing toll revenue paid by the users.