Texas' top transportation challenges

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas' Top 100 transportation challenges were released this week in a report from a national non-profit research group, TRIP.

Their study revealed a dozen of those highway trouble spots are here in Austin.

One of the worst: IH-35 between State Highway 71 and US Highway 183.

Solutions include additional lanes, express lanes, ramp and intersection improvements.

Another area of concern is MoPac from US 183 to US 290. The research group said limited right-of-ways play a big part in that ranking.

But the top roadway in Austin is US 290 between MoPac and RM 1826.

The report shows there is no emergency vehicle access, a lack of shoulders and no alternative routes.

"The amount of funding available falls far short of what is needed to address those needs," said Carolyn Kelly of TTRIP research. "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."

The past decade, Texas roadway work and maintenance have been funded largely through bond proceeds.

But now all bond programs statewide have been exhausted, resulting in a 50 percent drop in funding leaving no money for new construction.

TxDOT is urging this current legislature to make the transportation budget a top priority this session.