Highway Construction

 

 

Large beam rests in place in new bridge

This new bridge is part of the new highway that is being built to extend Texas 130, the bypass around Austin, from its current terminus (May 2011) north of Lockhart, Texas where it ends against US 183, to connect with IH10 near Seguin, Texas.

The picture caught my eye because about 10 or so years ago I used to haul those bridge beams. The beams I hauled were manufactured in San Antonio or San Marcos Texas.  We took them all over Texas to highway construction projects.

This is a long beam. We hauled some up to 130 feet in length. That of course is a load that requires a permit. Shorter beams could be hauled on pole trailers or stretch flatbeds without a permit. But longer beams require more equipment and longer trailer capabilities.  Sometime I will catch a picture of a current beam hauler and post that.

I had a little experience one night. We were hauling beams north on IH35 to somewhere in the Dallas area. We were just past Temple (I was the last truck in a convoy of about 6 or 8 trucks.)  A bear spotted me and knew he had himself some real work to do here to take care of me and my lawbreaking. He came up to my cab hollaring at me what I thought I was doing out here at night breaking the law. I informed him that we were permitted and were allowed to drive at night on the interstate. He told me I was all wrong, collected all my paperwork, license and insurance card and went back to his car to write the ticket. In a few minutes he came back, threw everything back in my window and told me to get the *#&^& out of there.   That was it. No "Sorry, I was wrong."  I proceeded on and soon caught up with the rest as my truck could travel faster than the slower trucks in the convoy.

Oh well, it is all part of a days work.

West Texas Interstates

Along Interstate 10

This picture is typical of West Texas. Along Interstate 10 in western Texas (where the speed limit is 80 miles an hour, and soon to be 85 if the current bill finds it way to the governor's desk) there are many rock cuts like this one.  Wide open spaces and you can drive hundreds of miles from San Antonio to El Paso and deal with less traffic than probably 50 miles of IH35 around Austin or Dallas. It is a relaxing drive and I always enjoy it.

Oh, and the speed limit. Trucks are limited to 70. They shouldn't be in my opinion. I know many trucks are governed but along this highway, open it up I say. If I understood correctly, the current bill in the Texas legislature will remove the day/night split speed limit in Texas (the only state with such foolishness) and will also remove any remaining truck/car speed limit splits. That will be nice when we all head to west Texas.

West Auction Barn and Restaurant

The West Auction Barn off of exit 351 near West, Texas. The place has a lot of truck parking and a gravel lot. Over the years I have parked there many times and then eaten in the restaurant there. It has generally featured Chech style cooking and used to be a good 24 hour place where drivers could get a good meal anytime of the night. Now the parking is still there but the restaurant is closed at night and doesn't seem to be what it once was.

Texas Safety Rest Area and Travel Information Center

Texas Safety Rest Area at Exit 18 IH35 near Laredo, Texas

This is a panorama I made from several iPhone photos of the rest area at Exit 18 just north of Laredo on IH 35.  This location has parking for several trucks but I don't ever remember seeing it full. There is quite a bit of truck parking near Laredo at Exit 13 at the Pilot, Flying J and TA truck stops there. And then every major carrier has a terminal and yard near Laredo as well.

As far as I know this is the only rest area in Texas that has this style of architecture. I don't know is it properly known as Mexican architecture or more of a Spanish Architecture.

There is more information about this location here.   For more information on other safety rest areas in Texas click here.