Honkin' Mad

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Check out THIS VIDEO about what the stop signs of the future may look like.

Morris gets 3 votes of confidence

Michael Morris ruffled feathers during months of tense negotiations over Texas 161 toll road, which is now being built near the Grand Prairie-Arlington border. But a lot of the region’s elected officials say they've got his back.

“We just want to squash any thoughts of unhappiness about the job he’s doing,” Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter said after the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition this week passed a resolution of support for Morris’ work. Members of that coalition, along with the Regional Transportation Council and Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, said they wanted to respond quickly to behind-the-scenes threats to have Morris removed from his long-held position as transportation director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. All three agencies passed resolutions thanking Morris for his three decades of work as a regional planner and advocate.

Several sources said the resolutions were necessary because some Collin County officials were quietly unhappy with the deals Morris helped negotiate for Texas 121 and 161, a pair of toll roads that together will generate more than $3.7 billion for other Metroplex projects -- and were gauging support for a possible coup.

During months of negotiations over the past year, Morris pressed the North Texas Tollway Authority, which ultimately won the rights to build both roads, to pay the highest amount possible in exchange for the rights to collect tolls. As a result, hundreds of millions of additional dollars have been freed up to spend on other roads, but force the Plano-based tollway authority to issue more debt than it wanted.

The sources didn’t identify the conspirators by name. Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes said Thursday he was unaware of the anti-Morris sentiment. Tollway chairman Paul Wageman of Plano said of Morris: “The report I got was that Michael played a constructive role.”

HONKIN' MAD! reader loves the rails

Garl Latham of Dallas is a loyal HONKIN' MAD! reader. To reward his contributions to our blog, Garl received a HONKIN' MAD! coffee mug.

If you'd like a free HONKIN' MAD! coffee mug of your own, simply send an e-mail to gdickson@star-telegram.com ... All you gotta do is agree to contribute to the HONKIN' MAD! blog three times, either by sending an item of interest to the above address or by simply posting a comment to an existing item. We work on the honor system and welcome travelers of all kinds.

If Perry can give rebates, why can't he build roads?

Texas is expected to have a budget surplus next year. Read more about that HERE.

Here's a topic to kick around the water cooler today:

If the state has enough money to give residents a rebate, why not instead use that money on highways? That way, it wouldn't be necessary to build new roads as toll roads.

Totally reasonable question. I think the short answer is, the state's highways are funded by motor fuels taxes (20 cents a gallon), and only a portion of the surplus is from those funds. The surplus is mostly coming from other revenue areas.

It is true that state lawmakers could divert other state funds for transportation. Just a third of that anticipated $15 billion surplus would give the Texas Department of Transportation what it needs to avoid having its highways fall into unacceptable maintenance conditions over the next 10 years.

But historically lawmakers haven't supported increased spending on highways. In fact, it's the other way around ... Often, the Legislature diverts highway money for non-transportation uses.

How do you feel about it?

-- G.

Irving lawmaker rips TxDot, promises changes

FORT WORTH — The Texas Department of Transportation has done more harm to the public’s trust of state government than any other agency and needs to be overhauled, warned state Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving.

Harper-Brown also told the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition on Wednesday that the transportation department has failed to build roads necessary to reduce congestion, and overstated its financial problems to win public support for toll roads. “TxDot used to be a premier agency in America. It’s not anymore. Other states have better roads,” Harper-Brown told the group.

Brown is a member of the Sunset Review Commission, which periodically reviews state agencies to determine whether they’re still necessary. Commission members are expected to grill transportation department officials during hearings this summer. Harper-Brown said she is researching how agencies in states such as Florida build and manage their transportation projects while sticking to firm deadlines and keeping lawmakers and the public informed about finances. She said the Texas transportation department lacks transparency about its finances and often refuses to answer basic questions from lawmakers. “If there is not a major change at TxDot, I’m not sure the Legislature will vote to give them more money.”

Several Tarrant County officials agreed with Harper-Brown about the need for better oversight, but defended transportation department officials in the Fort Worth district, which serves Tarrant and eight other area counties. They asked Harper-Brown to protect the region’s existing agreements with the state transportation department, including an agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority to build Texas 121 in Denton and Collin counties and generate $3.2 billion for other regional projects. North Texas leaders want to keep that money in North Texas, not in Austin where it could be taken for other state needs, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley told Harper-Brown.

Maribel Chavez, the transportation department’s Fort Worth engineer, told Harper-Brown that federal environmental laws are a main reason that road projects are delayed — and if Florida has found a way to speed up that process, she’d like to know about it.

GORDON DICKSON, 817-685-3816

Barr tabbed for North Texas Tollway Authority

Kenneth Barr is no stranger to transportation issues. The former Fort Worth mayor served on the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport board during its darkest hour post-9/11. He chaired the transportation committees for the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities, and served on the advisory committee for the Trans-Texas Corridor, a controversial proposal to build a statewide toll road network.

Now, his next mission is to ensure regional leaders follow through with plans to reduce gridlock by building toll roads, including Southwest Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas 170 near Alliance Airport and Texas 360 in south Arlington and Mansfield. Barr was appointed this week to the North Texas Tollway Authority board. He and Victor Vandergriff of Arlington now hold the two Tarrant County seats on the nine-member board. Barr’s first tollway board meeting will be May 21.

“I’m excited about what Southwest Parkway will mean to Fort Worth and Tarrant County, but also to Johnson County,” Barr said in a phone interview.

Barr was appointed this week by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court. “He understands the needs not only of Tarrant County, but the region,” said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, who nominated Barr.

Tollway chairman Paul Wageman of Plano said he was pleased that Tarrant County moved so quickly to fill the vacancy created by the departure of board member Bill Meadows, who last week was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Transportation Commission.

GORDON DICKSON, 817-685-3816

Kenneth Barr

Excerpts from Barr’s resume:

• After his tenure as Fort Worth Mayor from 1996-2003, founded Barr Consulting Group.
• Currently chairman of the North Texas Commission, a region-wide group of business and civic leaders that advocates for economic development and transportation improvements.
• President, Texas Municipal League, 1999-2000.
• Term on North Texas Tollway Authority board expires in August 2009.

Arlington man wants his money, insurance record back

Can anyone out there help Edgar Marquez of Arlington? He got pulled over for speeding on northbound Texas 360 in the summer of 2006, and wants to know who to call about getting a refund of his money ... or, more importantly, a credit to his car insurance.
"I'm more concerned with getting it off my driving record. It was an expensive ticket and my insurance did go up."
Grapevine officials say they're still exploring what to do about motorists who were ticketed on the highway. For nearly three years, officers wrote tickets even though the city hadn't formally adopted the speed limit.
READ MORE HERE
Until Grapevine and the Texas Dept. of Transportation sort it out, anyone got advice for motorists such as Edgar? I'm afraid I wasn't much help when he called this afternoon, except to say I'd post something on the HONKIN' MAD! blog as soon as I could.

Oops! Did you get a ticket on this road ???

GRAPEVINE — A couple dozen motorists may have paid speeding tickets unnecessarily because of a legal snafu on a Grapevine highway.

The main lanes of Texas 360 in Grapevine, which runs along the western border of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, opened nearly three years ago. The Texas Department of Transportation set the speed limit at 60 mph, based upon a customary engineering study. But because of an apparent oversight, the speed limit was never ratified by a Grapevine city ordinance. State law generally doesn't allow enforcement of a speed limit to begin until a city has endorsed the speed limit, transportation department spokesman Val Lopez said. (An exception is made for speed limits of 65 mph or higher, Lopez said.)

City and state officials are scrambling to fix the problem. The Grapevine City Council tonight will consider approving an ordinance adopting the 60 mph speed limit between Glade Road and Texas 121, which would fix the problem going forward. As for these several dozen people who have already paid fines for speeding on Texas 360 since the main lanes opened in late June 2005, city and state officials are researching whether they’re due refunds.
“We’re working with them to get this resolved,” Lopez said. “There’s no controversy about what the speed limit should be. There’s no jurisdiction issue. It’s just a matter of paperwork.”
GORDON DICKSON, 817-685-3816

For women who wanna ride a Harley

Yearning to experience life on a motorcycle?

A women-only "garage party" will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at Harley-Davidson of North Texas, 1845 North I-35 in Carrollton.

Similar events are being held in other parts of the U.S. to provide intimidation-free information for motorcycle newbies.

One of every 10 riders in America is a woman, the Motorcycle Industry Council estimates.

Interactive stations will be available to demonstrate style and functionality of Harleys, and how customize a bike to meet your preferences.

Admission is free. To ensure there'll be a spot for you, call the dealership at 972-245-1492 to reserve a spot.

Some well-known women who ride a variety of bikes, according to H-D:

Nikki Taylor

Kate Hudson

Angelina Jolie

Jessica Alba

Demi Moore

Watch this HONKIN' MAD! video !

A video potpourri to make your drive through Dallas-Fort Worth just a little easier.
You're welcome ... Yes you are! WATCH IT HERE, FRIEND. 

Where are the best gas prices ???

If you remember these prices, you may be suffering from good ol' days syndrome. Alas ... But if you're looking for a good deal on gas in today's world, try this Web site: fortworthgasprices.com

Pic: www.dvorak.com

Good for Lindsay Lohan, not other drivers

Today the American Beverage Institute (www.abionline.org) launched a campaign saying that ignition interlock devices are good for people such as Linsday Lohan who have multiple DWI arrests, but not for social drinkers. IIDs are like mini breathalyzers attached to your car ignition. Blow into a tube installed near your steering wheel and, if there's alcohol on your breath, the car won't start. They're often mandated by courts for first-time drunk driving offenders.

Is $10-a-gallon gas in your future ???

Check out some coverage of the possibility HERE ...

And HERE.

Will gas prices cut your travel plans? For many people, sadly, the answer is yes, according to THIS STORY.

Have gas prices topped out 4 awhile???

Maybe. Read THIS STORY.

Orange barrel alert in West Fo Wo !!!

The I-30 eastbound exit to Spur 341/Lockheed Boulevard will be closed all weekend, beginning at 8 p.m. Friday. Read more HERE.

Update on Perry transportation appointments

FORT WORTH — Bill Meadows’ reputation as a political bridge builder is one reason he was selected Wednesday to serve on the Texas Transportation Commission — and he’ll be put to the test immediately, pitching toll roads to a skeptical public and distrustful state Legislature.

<---Meadows

Gov. Rick Perry announced Wednesday that he had appointed Meadows, a long-time Fort Worth civic leader and former four-term City Council member, to one of two openings on the commission.

Perry --->

The five-member governing body oversees the Texas Department of Transportation and is responsible for mapping out a plan to reduce gridlock, even as Texas’ population is expected to explode over the next 50 years. Perry also appointed his former chief of staff, Deirdre Delisi, as commission chairwoman.  Meadows and Delisi will begin serving immediately, although their appointments must be confirmed by the state Senate in 2009. Their terms end Feb. 1, 2013.

Delisi --->

Meadows, who resigned his North Texas Tollway Authority board seat Wednesday shortly after his state appointment was made official, said toll roads aren’t the answer to every traffic problem. But, he said Texans need to get the message about the state’s bleak highway funding situation. Highways have traditionally been supported by gas taxes, but those funds haven’t kept pace with the cost of building roads. “Properly explained, I think the public will accept toll roads, particularly if we are careful and clear in explaining what the future capacity needs are going to be,” Meadows said. “The fact is this state is going to grow dramatically in the next 50 years. There are projections that put the population at 40 million people in 2060. We’re going to have to work hard to provide additional capacity to serve that sort of population growth.”

Influence in Austin

Meadows is the first Fort Worth resident to serve on the commission since Robert M. Bass was a member in 1986-87. Tarrant County leaders praised the appointment, saying they hope Meadows’ influence will speed up construction of projects such as Southwest Parkway, a proposed toll road from downtown to southwest Fort Worth, and new toll and nontoll lanes on Interstate 35W, Loop 820 and Airport Freeway. “Bill has a great sense of humor, which will help him on that board,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, a longtime friend and hunting buddy of Meadows.  “He’s got tremendous energy, focus and determination. On top of all that, he’s a pretty good shot. He understands how to put a target between the crosshairs and keep it there.”

<---Moncrief

A few years ago, Meadows persuaded the Plano-based tollway authority to build Southwest Parkway with extra landscaping and other amenities, so it would blend in with Fort Worth’s older neighborhoods, said state Sen. Kim Brimer, R-Fort Worth. Meadows also was a calming influence during the past two years, as the tollway authority and state transportation department fueded over which agency should be responsible for building Metroplex toll roads. Meadows is well-known in Tarrant County, Brimer said. But he added: “I think his service on the tollway authority proved to the east side of the Metroplex he was a good, fair man to work with.”

Playing defense

Brimer --->

Meadows and Delisi must quickly prepare to defend the transportation department before the Sunset Review Commission, which periodically examines state agencies to determine if they’re still relevant. For the transportation department, that process hits high gear in July. Critics say it won’t be easy for Delisi, a staunch Perry supporter. “Rick Perry had to go in-house to find somebody, another bulldog,” said Linda Curtis of Bastrop, founder of Independent Texans, a group of self-described independent voters that opposes toll roads.

<---Curtis

Curtis said many candidates for state offices are finding favor with voters by speaking out against toll roads, especially the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor, a proposed statewide tollway network. The transportation department would be wise to recognize that trend and reverse its pursuit of toll roads, she said. “It’s going to continue to be a huge issue, and there is going to be a breaking point,” she said. “Either they are going to just force this thing on Texans, or people of this state are going to find some avenue for making a change.”

But Delisi said in a phone interview that criticisms about toll roads are a byproduct of tackling a tough problem — how to pay for roads, to accommodate population and economic growth, without raising taxes. “Our transportation infrastructure and how we’re going to build it and pay for it are very difficult challenges that need to be addressed,” she said. “I think it’s what is reflected in the debate between the Legislature and the agency. My goal and what I’ve committed to the governor and other member of the Legislature is I intend to work with them to solve these problems through open dialog, creative thinking and hard work.”

GORDON DICKSON, 817-685-3816

New transportation blood

Bill Meadows of Fort Worth and Deirdre Delisi of Austin were appointed Wednesday to the Texas Transportation Commission. Meadows replaces Ric Williamson of Weatherford, who died in late December. Delisi replaces Hope Andrade of San Antonio, whose term expired in February.

Bill Meadows

Experience: Insurance executive, chairman of Hub International Rigg; vice chairman of the North Texas Tollway Authority (resigned Wednesday); former Texas Water Development Board member; four-term Fort Worth City Council member and mayor pro tempore; served on many other boards and foundations.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Southwestern University; attended Harlaxton Institute, Grantham, England.

In his words: “I think anybody would recognize it’s a job that is going to be very challenging. The fact is, transportation is as fundamental of a public service as there is to the state of Texas. We clearly have some challenges in that arena. I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in transportation over the last 18 years, from a local government perspective. I’ve enjoyed the transportation arena but more importantly I recognize its significance to the citizens of the state.”

Deirdre Delisi 

Experience: Former chief of staff, Gov. Rick Perry; former policy advisor to Lamar Alexander and George W. Bush presidential campaigns.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Duke University; master’s degree, Stanford University.

In her words: “The mission from TxDot hasn’t changed. The goals of the agency and commission are to reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and maintain the assets we have on the ground. The governor’s marching orders are for me to maintain the course.”

What the guv says

Gov. Rick Perry’s statement about Meadows and Delisi:

“I am confident their contribution to the commission will maintain the momentum of the late Commissioner Ric Williamson’s pioneering vision, and secure comprehensive transportation solutions that will reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and keep our state’s doors open to economic growth and success.”

Comments from Deirdre Delisi by phone

The appointment of Bill Meadows and Deirdre Delisi to the Texas Transportation Commission must be confirmed by the state Senate in early 2009 -- but in the meantime, they can begin serving immediately and have full voting privileges.

Here's what Delisi had to say this afternoon:

"The mission from TxDot hasn’t changed. The goals of the agency and commission are to reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and maintain the assets we have on the ground. The governor's marching orders are for me to maintain the course."

Asked about a growing distrust of TxDot among some lawmakers, Delisi said she believes criticisms of the agency are a byproduct of tackling a tough problem:

"Our transportation infrastructure and how we're going to build it and pay for it are very difficult challenges that need to be addressed. I think it's what is reflected in the debate between the Legislature and the agency. My goal and what I’ve committed to the governor and other member of the Legislature is I intend to work with them to solve these problems through open dialog, creative thinking and hard work."

Meadows will resign from NTTA today

A comment from Bill Meadows about his appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission:

"I think anybody would recognize it’s a job that is going to be very challenging. The fact is, transportation is as fundamental of a public service as there is to the state of Texas. We clearly have some challenges in that arena. I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in transportation over the last 18 years, from a local government perspective. I've enjoyed the transportation arena but more importantly I recognize its significance to the citizens of the state."

What about becoming a pitch man for the state's toll road program?

"Properly explained, I think the public will accept toll roads, particularly if we are careful and clear in explaining what the future capacity needs are going to be. The fact is this state is going to grow dramatically in the next 50 years. There are projections that put the population at 40 million people in 2060. We're going to have to work hard to provide additional capacity to serve that sort of population growth."

But Meadows also quickly added that toll roads aren't necessarily the solution in every corner of the state ...

Meadows and Delisi will serve through Feb. 1, 2013

The appointments are now official. A statement from Gov. Rick Perry about the appointment of Bill Meadows and Deirdre Delisi to the Texas Transportation Commission:

“Texas faces serious challenges in providing a transportation infrastructure that will sustain our state’s rapid pace of population and trade growth,” said Gov. Perry. “Both Deirdre and Bill have the integrity and expertise to ensure that these needs are met efficiently and responsibly. I am confident their contribution to the commission will maintain the momentum of the late Commissioner Ric Williamson’s pioneering vision, and secure comprehensive transportation solutions that will reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and keep our state’s doors open to economic growth and success.”

Fort Worth man tapped for transportation post

Long-time Fort Worth civic leader Bill Meadows will be appointed today to the Texas Transportation Commission, several sources say. He'll be the first Fort Worth guy to hold the post since Robert M. Bass in 1986-87. Meadows is an insurance executive and former four-term member of the Fort Worth City Council.

He's also served on the North Texas Tollway Authority board since 2004, and is widely credited with being a voice of reason as that agency engaged in a power struggle with the Texas Department of Transportation over which entity should take the lead in building toll roads to relieve choking gridlock in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Gov. Rick Perry is expected to announce the appointment Wednesday afternoon. Perry also will appoint his former chief of staff, Deirdre Delisi, to the transportation commission, despite opposition from Austin lawmakers who argued earlier this year that Delisi would be a polarizing force. Delisi is expected to champion the governor's call for market forces and private investment in Texas roads, including toll roads -- a philosophy that many lawmakers oppose.

Meadows' appointment, however, is widely supported, several North Texas legislators say.

The Texas Transportation Commission governs the Texas Department of Transportation and is the state's primary force in planning how people and goods will move across the state in the coming decades. The commission also is responsible for guiding the planning process of the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor, a proposed statewide network of toll roads, rail lines and utilities.

Tarrant County officials are excited about Meadows' appointment, saying he will help focus the state's attention on solving the increasingly poor congestion problems in the western portion of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Once the appointment is official, Meadows is expected to resign his board position on the North Texas Tollway Authority, another state agency that is based in Plano and oversees the Metroplex tollway system. The Tarrant County Commissioner's Court would select a replacement for Meadows on that board.

In Austin, the appointments of Meadows and Delisi would fill two vacancies on the state commission created by the December death of commission chairman Ric Williamson of Weatherford, and the expired term of commissioner Hope Andrade of San Antonio.

Avoid downtown Dallas like the plague Sunday

Orange barrel alert for I-30 in Dallas. Read more HERE.

Crumbling roads could doom America's future

The U.S. will lose its global competitive edge unless the nation's roads, bridges and the rest of the transportation grid receive a major infusion of cash, a report released today warns.
Read the Urban Land Institute press release HERE.
Or, read the full report HERE. (68 pages)

As if the news about rising gas prices didn't depress you enough ...

Two more toll roads in the works

Environmental studies approved by the federal government years ago for future freeway extensions of Texas 170 near Alliance Airport and Texas 360 in Arlington/Mansfield will be updated so the projects may be built as toll roads.
The Texas Department of Transportation, which owns the right-of-way and existing frontage roads for both projects, on Tuesday gave the North Texas Tollway Authority permission to conduct the environmental studies. The roads have already passed environmental muster once before, but federal law requires that the records be updated if a project is changed from a freeway to a toll road, a state official said.
The roads are among more than a dozen projects the tollway authority intends to undertake in the coming years to improve mobility in the Metroplex.
The transportation department also asked the tollway authority to provide a timeline for conducting a market valuation of both roads. State law requires the two agencies to mutually agree on a valuation — or dollar value — before a road can be built as a toll project. Why? In many cases, tolls can be used to pay for not only the road in question, but also other roads in the region. GORDON DICKSON, 817-685-3816

Does police radar make highways safer?

This morning on eastbound 121/183 in Hurst, I was surprised at how well traffic was moving. Airport Freeway was packed, yet everyone was moving at about the same 60 mph. Compared to a typical morning mash-up, it was a true driving pleasure. I realized why things were going so well as I approached Brown Trail, where a police car was parked on the left shoulder. The officer wasn't attempting to hide, and appeared to be parked there just to ensure everyone behaved.
Makes me wonder if the cities around here ought to pool their money and focus on patrolling during rush hour. Seems that'd be a more efficient way of improving gridlock, maximizing the space on freeways, reducing air pollution, etc. And, even if the officers were paid double-time for their efforts, it'd be a heckuva a lot cheaper than building new lanes.

Gridlock and accidents happen when people who want to drive 75 are forced to share space with people who want to drive 60. In the absence of a police presence, these drivers collide -- or nearly collide -- causing a sea of brake lights. And for the rest of the morning everyone is forced to drive 30. A stronger police presence -- not to hassle people, but as a deterrent -- could fix this problem.

Thoughts?

Pic: www.brightbambini.com

That's not Peter Falk. That's not Columbo!

People will believe what they want to believe. I choose to believe that last week's supposed sighting of Peter Falk walking dazed in Beverly Hills is at best a terrible case of mistaken identity, or at worst a paparazzi hoax. Peter Falk is the genius behind television's greatest all-time character, Lt. Columbo. Since this is a transportation blog, here's an image of his famed car, the beautifully rugged 1959 Peugeot Cabriolet.

The Daily Mail, TMZ and FoxNews have reported that Falk was spotted acting erratically, and that police were called to the scene but left without further incident.

Falk's is a spry 80 years old. He hasn't spent a good deal of time in the limelight in recent years, but he looked awfully good to me in this 2005 appearance with Paul Reiser (left):

Tell me, is that guy the same guy supposedly spotted on the L.A. street here(right)?

The facial features aren't even close. I demand a retinal eye scan! Where's Homeland Security when you need 'em?!?

To paraphrase the words of the great lieutenant, who solved 69 murders ... most recently in the 2003 episode "Columbo Likes the Nightlife" ... "It's the little details that bother me. I can't get them out of my head. I can't sleep at night."

"Just one more thing"

Something isn't right about this. Until I see further proof, I refuse to smudge the good name of my TV hero, and ask that everyone keep an open mind about this.

Sweet, clean (and free) coffee mugs available

One of our loyal readers, thebigpurplefrog, is really enjoying his HONKIN' MAD  coffee mug, as you can tell from this cellphone photo. Mmmm ...

Wanna a HONKIN' MAD! mug of your own? They're FREE as can be. All you gotta do is send an e-mail to ... gdickson@star-telegram.com ... and agree to post at least three items on the HONKIN' MAD! blog. Yes, we do this on the honor system. Readers may just post a comment to an existing blog item, or those who want to post a new topic may send any thoughts to the above e-mail address and I'll  post 'em for you.

Hey 'frog, is that regular or decaf dripping down the side of your mug?

Who's On First ???

No matter where you stand politically, a funny photo is a funny photo ... right?

I say that because this confusing photo (Turn left! No, yield! No, Stop!) comes from a dude with a neat-O blog in Wise County. The forum is called Liberally Lean From The Land Of Dairy Queen. It can be found at http://skattershooting.blogspot.com/

... It really doesn't have much to do with transportation, other than this great shot. Thanks to Star-Telegram columnist, food critic and all around news savant Bud Kennedy for pointing it out.

Happy to be HONKIN' MAD!

Coffee tastes better in a FREE HONKIN' MAD! coffee mug!

Just ask loyal HONKIN' MAD! blog readers Kimberly Norton and Jamie Terrell. They're regular readers, and giving them a free HONKIN' MAD! Coffee Mug is our way of saying Thank You.

Wanna mug of your own? Just send a note to gdickson@star-telegram.com ... All you gotta do is ask for one, and agree to become a regular contributor to our little online forum. All we ask in return is that you contribute at least three items to the blog, either by posting a comment to an existing blog item, or by sending an e-mail to the above address expressing a thought, concern, etc., about Dallas-Fort Worth traffic ... Start by sending me a note. We're building online readership and we're glad to have you.

HONKIN' MAD! about the quirks of red light cameras

North Texas is awash in red light cameras. Watch this HANDY DANDY Video that explores some tips on how to navigate them.

Finally, a deal for 161 that may stick

By GORDON DICKSON gdickson@star-telegram.com
The Texas Department of Transportation and North Texas Tollway Authority have reached a deal for Texas 161 in Grand Prairie, ending a tense week of negotiations and greatly improving the odds the toll road will be partly open for the Dallas’ Cowboys’ planned 2009 move to Arlington.
The tollway authority will pay $458 million above the cost of construction and keep the road as part of its Dallas-area toll system. The North Texas region will use the money for other road work. After 52 years, the tollway authority will split any surpluses from tolls collected on the road with the region 50-50.
The tollway authority is expected to call an emergency board meeting this weekend to ratify the deal, which was hashed out Friday afternoon in a bargaining session. Several key state lawmakers, including state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, served as mediators.
Now that the agreement has been reached, Metroplex officials are reasonably certain they can get the toll road at least partly complete between Texas 183 and Interstate 20 by late summer 2009, when the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to move into their new Arlington stadium. Texas 161 will serve as a southwestern extension of the tollway authority’s President George Bush Turnpike and will be a crucial gateway to the Arlington entertainment district. It’ll also be a crucial cog in the region’s plan for moving people in and out of the 2011 Super Bowl and its many parties and other satellite events that likely will be held in cities across Dallas-Fort Worth. And, on any given workday, the toll road also will be a crucial reliever route for Texas 360 in Arlington, which runs parallel to Texas 161 about two miles to the west.
“We’re very pleased the project is moving forward,” transportation department spokesman Christopher Lippincott said. Transportation department officials would have preferred that private developers lease the toll project but bent to the region’s wishes, he said. “We heard the region tell us they wanted to build it now, build it as a toll road. We heard the region say, ‘We prefer that the NTTA build it, even if it means leaving money on the table.’ We’ve honored those three requests.”
Friday’s agreement ended a tense week of negotiations over how much the road was worth, and whether the deal should be a 52 lease or a permanent transfer of the road from the state highway system to the tollway authority. The road is one of precious few "cash positive" toll projects in the North Texas region, meaning that the road is capable of generating enough toll revenue to pay for other, less lucrative road work in the area.
Work crews with contractor Williams Brothers of Houston have been in town all week and were scheduled to get the project underway on Wednesday. But then the negotiations broke down, and the dirt-turning was put on hold. State officials expect the contractor to get formal permission to begin work on Monday, or by mid-week. It may take a day or two for workers and their machinery to be working at full speed along the 11-mile corridor. “We’re good with it. We felt it was a good deal,” said Regional Transportation Council chairman Oscar Trevino, who sat in on the Friday meeting. “It meets the extended deadline and gets 161 in as a toll road.”
GORDON DICKSON, 817-685-3816