Study: Austin ranks high in national traffic headache
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Austin has four of the state's top 25 transportation challenges, according to a recent study by TRIP, a research group based in Washington D.C. that ranks road problems nationwide.
"You have never heard anyone say that traffic in Austin is easy to get through," Greg Malatek with the Texas Department of Transportation said.
According to TRIP, the congestion in the Capital City is at an unacceptable level for most of the day, and now the research group is working with TxDOT to address the issue.
The study states Interstate-35's entire stretch between Ben White and Higway183 needs work. TRIP recommends adding an express lane in each direction.
It’s an idea that Austin's Transportation Department is already considering, but all solutions require money.
"While the needs of the state’s transportation system are great, the amount of funding available fall far short to address those needs,” TRIP Associate Director of Research Carolyn Bonifas Kelly said.
TRIP is sponsored by the road construction industry. At the Capitol, they are asking Texas lawmakers to take the list of traffic problems seriously and prioritize transportation projects in the state budget.
"Unless Texas can increase transportation funding at the state, local and federal level, many of these critically-needed improvements will be left stranded on the drawing board," Kelly said.
Now, the challenge is finding the money to pave the way to a solution.
TRIP ranked the top 100 traffic problems in Texas. Click here to read the full list.