By the way — I’m native-born sixth generation Texan, virulently opposed to the TTC.
“Look at a Texas map”
It’s not necessary for me to look at a Texas map. I lived in Midland for ten years and during that period drove virtually every road in west Texas, the Trans Pacos, Big Bend and many up in the Pan Handle. All of your ideas have merit. The only one that would probably not be politicaly possible is the one that would intringe on the Fort Davis, Alpine area as this area is turning into an enclave for artsy, craftsy types looking for some solitude and thereby don’t want their karma disturbed. Personally, I sort of like that area the way it is too.
But, like it or not, additional highway capacity is going to be built somewhere. My vote is to build the additional capacity along I-35, either the TTC plan or some other version. Heck, this corridor is already trashed up so why trash up other parts of this great state by building another north/south corridor?
Btw, guess you have senority on TxMa and me by one generation :)