Prop 12: $143 million to fix traffic

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Anyone who drives around Austin during bumper-to-bumper, rush-hour traffic has an opinion on how to make it better.

"Having a better way to get north and south and to get off the off ramps and get on the major intersection," offered commuter Larry Miller, adding that "will make everything else run smoother."

"It's definitely one of the worst cities for traffic, we need more freeways and lanes," added Carrie Clayton.

But then, anyone can talk about fixing the city's traffic mess. The real challenge is developing a plan -- and a way to pay for it. And that's where Proposition 12 on the city of Austin's bond proposal comes in.

City leaders are asking voters on Nov. 6 to authorize them to issue $143 million in bond debt to pay for a wide range of improvements. Here is how the money would be divided up:

• $35 million for street reconstruction.
• $25 million for new sidewalks
• $15 million to help pay for small to projects on Interstate 35.

 
The rest of the money would cover everything from upgrades on MoPac Boulevard to more intuitive street-light timing for better traffic control.

To dive deeper into the issue, KXAN is teaming up with Leadership Austin for a Town Hall Breakfast called "Decision 2012."

Experts will be on hand to help the public understand the major issues they will decide at the polls. 

The event is Wednesday at the Long Center's Dell Hall. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online.