Sections of I-35 and MoPac are singled out in a new report as being among the 100 top traffic challenges in the Texas.
The report (PDF) by TRIP, a national transportation research group, identifies four problem areas here in Austin. The worst and the toughest to fix, they say, is a stretch of U.S. 290 from MoPac to Farm Road 1826. The road offers no access for emergency vehicles during rush hours.
The group suggests rebuilding the route as a six-lane toll road.
Another problem area is I-35 from Ben White to U.S. 183. TRIP recommends improving frontage roads and adding an express lane in each direction.
MoPac from 183 to 290 is another challenge. So is much of Loop 360. TRIP says fixing the roads would help create jobs and contribute to the long-term economic growth of the state.
Last week, the Texas Department of Transportation said it needs an extra $1 billion per year just to keep up with road maintenance.