Car Insurance Dallas

How Dallas and Houston Compare on Commuter Times

A number of colorful euphemisms come to mind when drivers think about how Dallas and Houston compare on commuter times. Popular blogs including virtualtourist.com describe roadways for both locations turning into parking lots during rush hour, an event that seems to last all day. Their arguments seem persuasive, but the truth is slightly surprising. It appears one city has made vast improvements for the commuter population.

Dallas

According to 2010 data provided by the United States Census Bureau, more than 1.2 million people reside in Dallas. The ninth largest U.S. city has four major interstate highways (I-) and a series of local highway systems. Traffic.com lists the following drive times for commonly traveled roads:

  • I-20 has an approximate drive time of 20 minutes. Average driving speeds are 32 mph.
  • I-30 has an approximate drive time of 59 minutes. Average driving speeds are 25 mph.
  • I-35 East has an approximate drive time of 17 minutes. Average driving speeds are 35 mph.
  • I-45 has an approximate drive time of five minutes. Average driving speeds are a brisk 60 mph.

Local highway (Hwy) 183 lists drive times of 40 minutes with speeds averaging 14 mph. The 820 Loop has a drive time of 12 minutes with speeds averaging 35 mph. Drivers should note that accidents and construction projects frequently extended listed drive times.

Houston

The largest city in Texas is home to more than six million people, which equals many drivers. More than 71% of Houston residents drive to work. This has created the fourth largest traffic problem in the United States, according to a 2010 study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute. Data reveals that drivers spent approximately 58 hours per year sitting in traffic.

Local roadways form a hub-and-spoke system. Major highways running through the area feature loops that deposit drivers throughout the area. Traffic.com lists the following drive times for frequently used roads:

  • I-45 has an approximate drive time of five minutes. Average driving speeds are 24 mph.
  • Hwy-288 has an approximate drive time of 16 minutes. Average driving speeds are 26 mph.
  • Beltway 8 and the Sam Houston Tollway have an approximate drive time of eight minutes. Average driving speeds are 53 mph.
  • I-10 has an approximate drive time of five minutes. Average driving speeds are 24 mph.
  • Hwy-290, a portion of I-610, has an approximate drive time of 11 minutes. Average driving speeds are 27 mph.

After comparing drive times for both cities, it appears that commuters in Houston have an easier ride. The city has a longstanding reputation for horrible traffic but it seems that combining city and state resources has resulted in a smoother journey. It looks like Dallas has some catching up to do.