Traveling and I-35 (Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth: home, construction, move)

[Danimarie]

I need to travel from Austin, TX to Minnesota using I-35 and was wondering when the best time is to travel on it? Is it quieter on the weekends? I could plan it so most of my travel time is during the weekend if it is. The plan is to take a month vacation this summer.
Any other tips welcome.

Thanks.

[ChristieP]

I35 between Austin and Hillsboro is currently being reconstructed, and traffic is frequently at a standstill. Weekends are often WORSE than weekdays since there are more people on the road. Honestly, since you are just using it to pass through, I'd say to tough it out!

[Danimarie]

So, I-35 is actually better during the week days? I thought during the week would be worse because people have to leave home to go to work.

[FourFiftyFour]

I would go through that stretch of 35 during the middle of the day (or late morning) in the middle of the week...that will be the point where traffic will be at its best. There were several times when traveling North or South on 35 to my home in Waco during the weekend that I would be stuck in a jam (and that was a few years ago now).

[metroxian]

Originally Posted by Danimarie

So, I-35 is actually better during the week days? I thought during the week would be worse because people have to leave home to go to work.

I-35 north of Georgetown to south of Waco is not a heavily traveled commuter highway. There may be large trucks, commuters traveling a distance but not a lot of offices connected to I-35.

I-35 through Temple is currently undergoing MAJOR modification, in some places there may be only one lane so that could be a delay. North of Temple there has been new highway construction going on for months, so more delays.

I'd agree with ChristieP, as you'll just be passing through to tough it out. The best time to travel through Dallas would not be during any rush hour, or Friday or Sunday night. Weekend mornings might be best if you choose that route. Rush hour in Dallas is a complete jam up anywhere near downtown. I've often used I-35 in Dallas on a weekend morning with little traffic.

[wpme]

As a whole, there is lighter traffic on I-35 during the week, yet traffic in SA/Austin/DFW will be worse during the week, especially during morning/afternoon commute times.

[ChristieP]

You can also take the 130 Toll Road bypass around Austin. I would HIGHLY recommend this. I35 through Austin is notorious for horrible traffic backups, which was why the 130 was built. Since you don't have a toll tag, you will receive a bill in the mail for the tolls. It's about $8 for a one way trip IIRC.

[texas_nightowl]

Since it is a vacation...Take 183 out of Austin to Lampasas and get on 281. At Hico take 220 to 67 and go thru Glen Rose to Cleburne and then get back on I-35 in Fort Worth. Or stay on 281 to I-20 then take I-20 into Fort Worth. Or alternately, take 281 all the way to Wichita Falls and take I-44 from Wichita Falls to OKC.

[Danimarie]

Thanks. Although, it is a vacation. I will want to take the least amount of time possible. I'm traveling alone with 4 children 8 and under.

[kt2le]

I'd leave Austin early on a weekday morning via the 130 toll road and head north. Although most of the traffic that time of day will be heading south on I-35 into Austin, 130 will allow you to bypass potential problems and move quickly. Leaving at that time will also get you through the I-35 construction zones in the morning when there's less traffic. Since you'll be continuing north through DFW, take I-35W through Fort Worth (not I-35E through Dallas) to avoid Dallas traffic. The timing will also allow you to pass through DFW mid-day, avoiding morning and afternoon rush hours.