San Antonio – Interstate Highway 35 is often referred to as Texas’s main street and has traffic to prove it.

For shipping companies, the time spent on transportation means a loss of money. Delays are expected to increase as more construction projects are underway at I-35 between San Antonio and Austin.

Increased congestion and new rebates could cause freight companies to revisit private sections of Route 130, at least Doug Wilson, CEO of the SH 130 concession company, wants to do so.

“One of the main reasons the SH 130 was expanded and built as it is today is to reduce some of the truck traffic from the I-35,” Wilson said. “This certainly improves traffic, reduces congestion, and makes it safer.”

The company operates a highway between Segin and Mustang Ridge in Travis County. SH 130 recently announced a new partnership with the Texas Trucking Association to provide rebates and incentives for businesses to use toll roads. Currently, the cost of traveling an entire 40 miles on an 18-wheeled vehicle is $ 31.40 using an electronic fare tag. TxDOT operates a toll road from there to Georgetown north.

“Frankly, I-35s tend to be crowded because they tend to pass through the Austin area. This is what I wanted to focus on the airlines that are actually going through I-35s. It’s one of them, “says John Espaza. , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Truck and Auto Association. “If they can go around Austin, it’s a viable option for them.”

Some local businesses have already begun to use the SH 130 further, although the distance from San Antonio may increase by several miles.

“If there is traffic from south of Austin to the New Braunfels region, you can continue on the SH 130 to reach the I-10,” said Adam Blanchard, president of Double Diamond Trucking. .. “It’s great to give drivers and the industry the option to avoid traffic, because it results in safer roads for everyone.”

According to Wilson, more drivers, both commercial and non-commercial vehicles, are using the SH 130 than before the pandemic. He said some maintenance work on the highway is planned, but major construction closures are not expected in the coming months.

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Rebates and incentives aim to lure more truck drivers to the SH 130 toll road