AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city has found a solution for drivers along a busy road in Northwest Austin.

The section of Spicewood Springs Road stretching from Mesa Drive to Loop 360 is notorious for traffic bottleneck during rush hour and transportation officials want to change that. 

“It can take a good 10 to 15 minutes to get from Mesa to Loop 360,” said John Potocki, who lives nearby and travels on the roadway daily. He added getting home can be a nightmare.

However, Potocki is not alone, Mia Vanetek said going through Spicewood Springs usually adds an extra 10 to 15 minutes to her drive home. 

“You know, it was kind of challenging,” Vanetek said. “Then, when it goes down to one lane people get mad because they’re trying to cut over and you’re just going straight.”

The City of Austin’s Transportation Department said after a yearlong process, the community selected a plan. Alternative C was one of three plans presented by the city. Another option called for no plan at all. 

Alternative C will expand the roadway from Mesa Dr. to Loop 360 to four lanes, and drivers can expect a center median and left-turn bays.

“Adding left-turn bays for an opening will increase traffic capacity pretty considerably,” said Emily Tuttle, a communication specialist with the transportation department. 

A total of $17 million is earmarked for the project. The funds were set aside from the 2016 Mobility Bond. 

The city said this is important as they only expect the daily traffic to increase in the coming years.

Last year, on average, there were 16,435 drivers passing through that section of Spicewood Springs Road; By 2027, they expect an additional 6,000 cars on the road every day: 22;520. A more than three percent increase. 

In the meantime, when it comes to those drivers who use this roadway as a cut through, Potocki had this message. 

“It’s no better than anywhere else now, it’s not worth your time, leave it for me,” he said laughing. 

Currently, the city is in the process of entering the design plan. It could last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, and the community could see shovels in the ground by as early as 2021. Construction is estimated to last 

The project will also include a shared use path on both sides of Spicewood Springs Road and new stormwater facilities.

During the city’s feedback period earlier this fall, Alternative C received the most support from the community. From the 403 responses received, 208 and picked the “C” option.