Commuting to Arlington (Fort Worth, West, Howe: how much, neighborhood, construction)

[cranberry]

I'm trying to figure out whether it's reasonable to live in Fort Worth and commute to Arlington.

We will be living near the intersection of West Vickery Boulevard and 183/Southwest Boulevard (which is convenient to where my spouse will be working). I'm looking at commuting to UTA on an 8-5 schedule.

Mapquest suggests this is about 27 miles. Will there be bad traffic? Anything special I should know about making the drive?

Thanks!

[loves2read]

I have never driven East on 30 in the morning or gone through downtown that direction--have no clue about traffic but think that once you get past downtown the traffic might be worse...
going 30 into/out of Arlington there are few exits--so if there is accident people are pretty much locked into the freeway and just have to wait it out...

[I <3 Texas]

I also don't commute during peak traffic, but I'd say the commute won't be too bad, just learn your backroads.

I have lived in Arlington five years and drive on 30 less than once a month. I don't like 30 and with stadium construction it is just getting worse.

Consider that as you plan your commute. However, if you're going to UTA you can get off at several exit farther west (Eastchase, Fielder) and go south Pioneer Parkway, for example, and cut across.

Or, ask you job if you can do flex hours/telecommute part time. With gas prices, employers who were not open to this before are becoming more flexible because it is more cost effective than replacing/recruiting employees.

[beowulf7]

What might be worse than traffic is the fact that you'll be staring at the sun in both directions. Invest in some really good polarizing sunglasses.

[loves2read]

ditto that Beowulf
that is horrible part of commuting that most people don't think about until they are doing it--and then they forget if they relocate and have another commute to check out...

[beowulf7]

I learned about the sun factor quickly when I first moved to TX and found out the hard way how much stronger the sun is down here than in NJ.

[Ã…dvenio_Nobis]

Originally Posted by beowulf7

I learned about the sun factor quickly when I first moved to TX and found out the hard way how much stronger the sun is down here than in NJ.

Ain't that the truth! I'm not sure the sun is so much stronger... but the terrain is so much more flat and we don't have all those soaring treelines blocking much of the horizon.

And since much of the commuter traffic within the metroplex runs east/west... well, it's a recipe for real sun problems. I travel on Hwy 114 daily, fortunately not as a regular commute. And I try at all costs to avoid heading west near sunset. At this time of year the sun sets literally right down the middle of the westbound lanes near my neighborhood. It's not only hard on the eyes, but it's a real traffic hazard IMHO.

[loves2read]

brake lights--setting sun--same color zone--I wonder how many fender benders happen because it is just difficult to see them come on when you are facing the setting sun--

[vteverett]

I did this commute for severals years, and you are right the sun is the worst part. Take 20 if you have the choice over 30 and avoid Cooper for as long as you can and take another exit. It'll take 25 min. to get over there but another 10-15 to find a parking place and walk...

[loves2read]

UTA has shuttle service doesn't it from the parking lot?