Highway makes top 100 list

TYLER-Driving down parts of U.S. Highway 69 will make just about anyone crazy. And for some its not that hard to believe that a portion of this highway made the list of the "Top 100 Congested Roadways in Texas."

TXDot officials say with money strapped for roadway projects, TXDot created the list to find out where the need is greatest.

Not many are surprised to find out that the top 43 roadways on the list are all in Houston, with Interstate 45 being the worst. A portion of U.S. Highway 69 that runs right through Tyler came in 63rd.

The small 1.5 mile stretch from Old Grande south to Loop 323 is the headache.

TXDot officials say they're aware of the problem and do hear concerned residents, but they say its not that easy.

"Once you get into the Tyler city limits the corridors pretty well built out," TXDot Spokesperson, Larry Krantz, said. "In order to make the road wider you would have to start cutting into the sidewalks or you would have to start cutting into parking lots of businesses."

So really there isn't any good options when it comes to expanding South Broadway to help with traffic.

"Instead the City of Tyler, the Northwest TX Regional Authority and TXDot are looking for ways to add capacity on other roads that are not as built up or focusing on getting Loop 49 extended around the interstate," Krantz said.

So until there is a sure fire way to completely avoid Broadway, make sure you plan for delays.