Senate votes to drive final stake through Trans Texas Corridor

AUSTIN — The ceremony was brief and drew few mourners, but the Trans Texas Corridor is finally dead.

The Senate unanimously passed a bill that strikes from state law any language, reference and authority once connected to the massive highway envisioned to slice a swath through Texas.

The same measure already has passed the House. There are some minor differences that still need to be reconciled, but the bill is expected to go to Gov. Rick Perry, who will have to decide whether to join in the final rites for his once-prized project.

Legislators did keep a provision that was allowed under the authority of the Trans Texas Corridor: the potential of 85 mph speed limits on certain highways that are properly engineered to handle the higher speeds.

The highway corridor to parallel Interstate 35 had been a signature issue for Perry, but it was doomed after angry citizens rebelled against the private contracts, the massive proposed taking of private land and what was seen as arrogance by state transportation officials.

Perry said last year that the highway is dead, but lawmakers this year are determined to salt the earth.

Supporters have said the 85 mph limits allowed in the bill would have to be approved by the Transportation Department and would most likely be available only for new tollways because of the engineering requirements.

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