Evaluation and integration of Texas airports into the Trans-Texas Corridor

The proposed Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) is a series of multimodal transportation corridors traversing approximately 4,000 miles (6,440 km) in rural Texas that includes ten controlled-access toll lanes for passenger cars and commercial trucks, six rail lines for high-speed rail, commuter rail, and freight rail, and a 200 foot (61 m) wide utility zone. The TTC will allow for faster and safer movement of people and goods throughout Texas, relieve congestion on existing roadways, divert hazardous materials away from urban areas, and stimulate economic growth and development along its path. However, to become fully integrated with the Texas transportation network, the TTC must also consider connections with the state’s extensive airport system. While the TTC could produce significant opportunities for commercial services and general aviation airports, many of its planners and engineers are not familiar with the special land use and connectivity needs of airports. While the TTC offers prospects for producing significant opportunities to commercial service and general aviation airports, it also has the potential to limit their safety, operation, and expansion if planned poorly. Possible airport benefits include increased usage due to improved airport user access and indirectly to economic development along its path. Potential challenges include infringement on approaches and approach procedures, restriction of airport growth, limited accessibility or connectivity to the TTC, and competition with land-based modes for passenger and freight movement. Integrating Texas airports into the overall multimodal TTC design will leverage intermodal transportation for intercity travel and freight movement throughout Texas