- (a) Requirements. Transportation Code, §361.101, authorizes the authority to construct, maintain, repair, and operate turnpike projects within the state as may be determined by the authority subject to approval as to location by the commission. Transportation Code, §361.043, authorizes the authority to designate the location, and establish, limit, and control such points of ingress and egress, for each project as may be necessary and desirable in the judgment of the authority and the department to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of the project. Transportation Code, §362.051 provides that certain governmental entities may not begin construction of a toll road, toll bridge, or turnpike without the approval of the commission if the project is to become part of the state highway system.
(b) Request. To secure approval under this section the authority shall submit a written request for approval to the executive director. The request must be accompanied by:
- (1) a summary of the anticipated financing plan for purposes of seeking the approval described in subsection (c)(2) of this section;
- (2) a detailed schematic indicating the location of interchanges, mainlanes, and ingress and egress ramps;
- (3) a report identifying relocations or reconstruction to state highway system facilities anticipated in connection with the proposed project; and
- (4) an evaluation of the project's integration into the state highway system.
(c) Approval. In deciding whether to approve a project, the commission will consider whether:
- (1) the project may be effectively integrated into the state highway system;
- (2) the department is able to construct any connecting roads necessary for the project to generate sufficient revenue to pay the debt incurred for its construction; and
- (3) points of ingress and egress are designed in a manner that ensures the proper operation and maintenance of the project.
Source Note:The provisions of this §27.15 adopted to be effective March 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 1839.