As Labor Day weekend approaches, marking the unofficial close of summer, many Bay Area residents are gearing up to hit the highways, but before you rev up the engine and join the masses, it might be wise to heed the travel forecast from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to avoid the frustration of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The forecast, which offers insight into some of the Lone Star State’s busiest routes, is predicting significant delays, especially on Friday – that’s the day when the great exodus seems to peak. According to TxDOT, the I-10 stretch from El Paso to Beaumont is expected to be crawling at a snail’s pace with peak congestion occurring twice; once from 7 a.m. to noon and then again, as if giving road warriors but a brief respite, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m, with the I-35 corridor is not promising a smoother ride, especially from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Gainesville and Austin, and again, the Dallas-Fort Worth to Austin path is set to be heavily tread from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For those plotting their escape from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, brace yourself for potential gridlocks on I-20, with predictions of heavy traffic from noon until that blissful hour of 8 p.m., where the road from Sweetwater to Terrell may feel more like a parking lot than an interstate.
To avoid the worst of the holiday gridlock, TxDOT’s full forecasts, which can be a godsend for those looking for a smoother trip, are available on social media and for those not as digitally inclined, you can tap into the DriveTexas online map for real-time traffic and road updates, but sometimes talking to a human beats staring at a screen, in which case calling +1-800-452-9292 to speak with a travel counselor might be your best bet, TxDOT advises motorists to plan ahead and if drinking is part of your celebration always find a sober ride home.
Finally, while behind the wheel this weekend, TxDOT reminds drivers to embody the spirit of Texas: stay kind, courteous, and safe on the roads. Because after all, as the long weekend unfolds, it’s not just about reaching your destination—it’s also about making sure everyone gets there in good spirits and in one piece.
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