Group identifies Texas transportation problems

[KevinFromTexas]

http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/trans...roblems/nTzDN/

Updated: 11:33 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 | Posted: 11:33 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013
Group identifies Texas transportation problems

By CHRIS TOMLINSON
The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas has 11 major bridges that need repair, 11 highly-traveled highway segments that need safety improvements and 38 road segments that suffer from unacceptable congestion, according to a national nonprofit group.

"Transportation projects that expand roadway or bridge capacity produce significant economic benefits by reducing congestion and improving access, thus speeding the flow of people and goods while reducing fuel consumption," the group said in its report. "Under current funding scenarios, overall pavement quality is projected to decrease by 43 percent by 2022. Failing to address pavement deterioration in a timely manner increases repair costs over time.

The group predicts that as the population grows the number of vehicle miles traveled in the state will increase 35 percent by 2030. Most of the problems are in major metropolitan areas, particularly Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.