The city's 911 call center system is getting a $1.5 billion overhaul that includes a new facility in the Bronx, according to the mayor's office.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to build a back-up call center in the borough. Currently, all 911 calls are routed to a Brooklyn facility, which then transfers calls to fire and medical operators, forcing callers to repeat their problems.

Under Bloomberg's proposal, about half of the 11 million yearly calls would be routed to the Bronx center. Emergency operators would also electronically relay callers' information to fire and medical operators.

The plan is expected to start in two years, however, the city does not currently own the land for the second call center site.The mayor hopes to get the process moving so his successor can easily finish the project.