Interstate 35 Voted Friendliest Freeway of 2007
By Editor | September 3, 2007
Austin, TX — The Texas Department of Transportation announced Friday that the stretch of I-35 between Round Rock and South Austin was voted “Friendliest Freeway of 2007″ in all of Texas, and was also ranked #4 in the nation.
The nationwide survey was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with input from the transportation departments of each state. A panel of researchers compared more than 250 freeways and interstates, with special emphasis on certain high-traffic areas (such as the portion of I-35 that flows into downtown Austin from both north and south).
Input came from independent traffic surveys of each freeway, and also from random polling of resident commuters. Ranking criteria for “Friendliest Freeway 2007″ included:
- Number of smiles in relation to traffic volume, or “smile density”
- Willingness of drivers to allow others in front of them
- Random acts of vehicular chivalry
- Level of calm and tranquility during rush hour
Ginger Hammerstein, a project manager for TXDOT, said the award came as no surprise to her. “I’ve always known that I-35 was something special,” she said, “but now we actually have a plaque and a certificate to back it up.”
Also pleased with the ranking was Scott Hamilton, one of the randomly polled Austin commuters who submitted an essay on behalf of the I-35. Here is an excerpt from Scott’s essay, reprinted with permission:
“I feel it every time I drive south on the 35 into Austin during rush hour … the common concern among drivers, the camaraderie and politeness. It’s like a brotherhood out there, a sisterhood, a family. I can think of no better way to start my morning each day, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Sound Off, Austin
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Topics: Austin News |