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Report Shows Commuter Push Into Travis County


If you drive into Travis County for work, you're not alone. A new census report shows 150,000 workers commute to Travis County from other counties.

Traffic troubles have plagued Central Texas for years and it's only going to get worse with more major employers calling Austin home.

According to the Census report, 90,000 commute from Williamson County into Travis County for work.
But Williamson County spokesperson Connie Watson says county officials saw it coming and have been planning for the increase in commuters. They’ve invested $578 million in bond money to improve and construct new roads.

"Between the 2000 and the 2006 road bond program, Williamson county has improved nearly 300 miles of transportation lanes, including adding nearly 175 miles of new capacity," Watson says.

While Williamson County improves the route, local politicians like Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw are also working on the issue. It's one the main reasons for his recent trip to California. He is hoping to lure companies to Round Rock so people who live in the city, can work there as well.

Mayor McGraw says that's part of economic development that we can happen in Round Rock. "This way less people are going to have to drive somewhere else to get to their job so it's really about having the employment here that they don't need to leave," he says.

The traffic issue also goes hand in hand with growth. Williamson County has grown by 69 percent over the past decade.

By Lydia Pantazes