Nov 3, 2006 4:30 pm US/Central
I-30 Closure Could Create Traffic Nightmare
by Mary Stewart
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 News) ―
North Texas drivers will soon have to find alternate routes around a section of I-30. Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday night and lasting through the weekend, the freeway will be closed between Loop 12 and Highway 360 while construction takes place by the Carrier Parkway Bridge.
A perfect storm could be developing.
In addition to this closure, it is race weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway, an event that usually backs up traffic in that area. Also, alternate routes must be sought for travelers on Highway 183 in Irving, after an 18-wheeler caused significant damage to the highway on Thursday, leaving only a few lanes getting through while repairs are made.
Traveling along I-30 this weekend will be anything but "fast and furious," and certainly no fun.
Merchants near the construction area are not happy. Nokia Theatre, Lone Star Race Track, and several restaurants are all nearby. Clay Stewart of the Palace of Wax said, "It's something that's a trying force for us, anytime there is road construction, and the construction has been going on here for eight years. So, it has been a hindrance for our business."
Joe Wagner, a Ford dealer in the area, is worried. They typically do 40 percent of their business on Saturday. He's offering $25 gift certificates to anyone who braves the traffic. "We're going to be the most hurt dealership, so this is our preparation to battle this. Most hurt business as well. There are gas stations, but our revenue is more dependent on a Saturday than any other."
Highway 183 was one planned alternative route, but lanes will be closed there as well. The other east to west alternative is I-20.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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