LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Raul Leal,

 (LAREDO, TX) The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will lend assistance again this year for the annual Paisano Rest Stop Project (Programa Modulo Paisano) sponsored by the City of Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in collaboration with a multitude of federal, state, local US and Mexican government agencies.

 The 48-hour rest stop area is located off Interstate Highway (I-35) southbound at mile marker #13 runs Friday, December 14, 2012 through Sunday, December 16, 2012 beginning and ending at 12 noon.

 During this project, TxDOT will provide: 

• Approved use of TxDOT rest stop at mile marker #13 along southbound I-35,
• Cleanup of rest area at mile marker #13,
• Use of TxDOT-manned 48-hour courtesy patrols to assist motorists in need,
• Activation of dynamic (overhead) message signs (DMS) to convey messages along I-35 at mile markers #13, #10, #8, #4 and #2 in Laredo/Webb County, as well as DMS messages along key thoroughfares through San Antonio in Bexar County, 
• Activation of portable changeable message signs (CMS) to convey messages along IH 35 at mile markers #40 in La Salle County, and mile markers #26 and #16 in Webb County,  
• Activation of voice-recorded audio messages on TxDOT’s Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations, AM 1610 and AM 530, to be aired in north Laredo/Webb County, 
• TxDOT TxTag trailer at Paisano Rest Stop to provide Paisanos and the traveling public with information and purchase of TxTag toll tag for use on toll roads in Texas including SH 255 (Camino Colombia Toll Road). TxTags may also be purchased at the TxTag Customer Service Center at 1-888-468-9824 (Customer service representative should be advised TxTag will be utilized when traveling on SH 255 (Camino Columbia Toll Road),

Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. availability of TxDOT Laredo Travel Information Center (TIC) on IH 35 Northbound milepost marker #18 where the public may use restrooms; view brochures, magazines and maps, free of charge. TV room is available to watch the latest headline news or to view videos of Texas cities.

 Laredo TIC contact information: (956) 417-4728. Travelers may also call 1-800-452-9292, TRV_TIC-Laredo@txdot.gov; Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

 TxDOT Laredo District’s STRATIS (South Texas Regional Advanced Transportation Information System) will post DMS messages in Laredo. TxDOT San Antonio District’s Transguide will assist by posting DMS messages in San Antonio. Both STRATIS and Transguide are intelligent transportation system (ITS) centers with an intricate network of highway cameras and overhead message signs designed to monitor, inform and direct traffic as needed.

 The Paisano Rest Stop Project provides Paisanos traveling from the U. S. to points south of the U.S.-Mexican border with information about Laredo shopping, restaurants, lodging and suggestions on how to make the crossing process smoother. The annual trek and mass influx of Paisanos passing through our border city takes place in mid-December after schools let out for the holidays. Many Paisanos are expected to return to the US through Laredo in January.

 TxDOT sections assisting with the rest stop project are Laredo District Maintenance, District Transportation Operations, Laredo Maintenance Office, Laredo Travel Information Center, Laredo District South Texas Regional Advanced Transportation Information System (STRATIS) Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), San Antonio District Transguide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and the District Public Information Office.