Austin, San Antonio to tackle traffic congestion together

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Austin and San Antonio are teaming up to reduce traffic congestion between the two metropolitan areas.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that the cities’ metro-area planners and the Texas Department of Transportation studied how to ease commuting within the regions, including along the busy Interstate 35 corridor. The draft study says planners are taking steps to align transportation goals to manage population increases and traffic growth.
The study recommends more coordination, but it doesn’t outline next steps or funding.
Democratic Sen. Kirk Watson says coordination is essential as the two metropolitan areas continue growing toward each other.
Watson says a big challenge is the lack of available funds for the interstate’s reconstruction. Kirk says the Legislature will have to take action, such as raising revenue, authorizing debt or seeking private funding.