Endangered spider forces redesign of $15 million highway project

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Published: 10/01/2012 9:19 pm

Updated: 10/02/2012 2:33 pm

Bracken Bat Cave Meshweaver Spider

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Rare spider halts multi-million dollar highway project

SAN ANTONIO - The Bracken Bat Cave Meshweaver Spider wins.

The Texas department of Transportation has to figure out how to re-work a $15 million project to ease traffic connecting Highway 151 and Loop 1604 nearly a month after the endangered spider was found there.

Because the dime-sized spider is endangered, the construction had to stop. Now the redesign process will begin.

Since it will take a while, the current contractor has been let go. Once a new design is okayed, TxDot will have to find another contractor.

We will let you know what's decided.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of News 4 WOAI (WOAI.com)

SpeakInTongues - 10/2/2012 5:53 PM

2 Votes

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Ever notice a spider's hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze?

Canaandogsrule - 10/2/2012 3:30 PM

0 Votes

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OK, someone at TXDot screwed up bigtime. Before any construction begins, an environmental impact report should have been prepared which would have identified any endangered species in the area before a shovel of dirt was turned. So who at WOAI is going to follow up on this major screwup?

footprints - 10/2/2012 3:19 PM

1 Vote

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I think the "endangered spider" excuse is being used to deflect the attention from the real reason why the hwy project is being redesigned. I guess its easier to blame the spider rather than blame themselves for a poor design to begin with. I say follow the trail of excuses and you will find the real reason. Time to put on the boots and wait for more excuses...

catwalk0826 - 10/2/2012 2:01 PM

2 Votes

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EPA...such a waste of money on this deparment.

LaythW - 10/2/2012 1:33 PM

2 Votes

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I agree with saving endangered species before they're dead. Are they even verifying there are more? They already screwed up the natural habitat so might as well carry on and get finished so all the wildlife around can re-adjust asap. I say the contractor they let go should have first crack at the new project... I'd be pissed!

KWBass - 10/2/2012 12:34 PM

2 Votes

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They have only found 1 and they already killed it so get on with it. This is the dumbest thing ever to spend money and time on. It's just a spider, there are millions more out there.

TheSource - 10/2/2012 11:01 AM

2 Votes

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"Its all part of the great circle of life young Simba"

PeekABoo - 10/2/2012 10:58 AM

1 Vote

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said those who are naive enough to not think humans are destroying the earth...geezus...i'm so sick of ignorance.

SpeakInTongues - 10/2/2012 10:51 AM

0 Votes

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This highway project with endangered spiders is like Kim Kardashian newly engaged, with a $2-million engagement ring: “I finally found my missing puzzle piece! I’m complete.

FoxieRoxie - 10/2/2012 10:37 AM

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My question is how was this found? I mean was someone looking for it or maybe the men were at lunch and just striped on it? How? And don't we have enough bugs in this world. Why must we save this one? I'm sure their are more out there. This it's just crazy.

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