Watch out for heavy traffic between Austin, Dallas, and Oklahoma City for Texas/OU weekend

by PegNews wire

No lane closures are planned between Oklahoma City and Austin during peak travel periods, but traffic will still be a mess.

AUSTIN — As thousands of football fans converge on north Texas this weekend for the biggest rivalry game in Texas and Oklahoma, transportation officials urge motorists to use caution navigating heavy traffic and active construction zones.

"No one likes road delays any more than they like game delays. Motorists should plan their trip in advance and keep up to date on highway conditions at www.my35.org," said Amadeo Saenz, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) executive director. “In addition, due to our efforts to expand I-35 to six lanes through central Texas, motorists should use extra caution in our active work zones and reduce distractions from the task at hand - driving to the Metroplex safely.”

Motorists can ease the trip by doing the following:

Expect delays. Leave early to allow for delays.
Do not drink and drive. Always designate a sober driver.
Buckle up and secure all passengers in the vehicle, as required by Texas law.
Be patient and take your time. Being in a rush can decrease safety.
Drive for the road conditions. Adjust vehicle speeds to traffic and weather conditions.
Avoid distractions for the driver. Never text and drive.

TxDOT and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation have no lane closures planned between Oklahoma City and Austin during peak travel periods. However, a portion of southbound I-35 north of the Austin area will be reduced to one lane beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday, October 3.

Still, crowded roadways both north and south of Dallas will call for patience from motorists.

For Oklahoma traffic advisory information, visit www.odot.org and click Traffic Advisories, or follow @OKDOT on Twitter.

For Texas road conditions, visit: bit.ly/TxRoads or www.my35.org, or call the TxDOT road conditions line at 1-800-452-9292. Each TxDOT region will keep their twitter feed updated with the latest highway conditions throughout the weekend. Follow @TxDOT for statewide information, or visit http://www.txdot.gov/news/twitter_feeds.htm for a list of regional twitter feeds.

Source: TxDOT