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Phone: (512) 463-8588
 

October 14, 2009

 

Heavy Traffic Expected for Texas-Oklahoma Game

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 because of the heavy traffic expected.

"The Texas-Oklahoma game will no doubt cause increases to the traffic volume on Texas' 'Main Street' - Interstate 35 - between San Antonio and Norman, Oklahoma," said Amadeo Saenz, TxDOT Executive Director. "So safety should be a top priority for all motorists traveling in the area."

Motorists can ease the trip by doing a couple of things:

  • Expect delays. Leave early to allow for delays.
  • Do not drink and drive. Designate a sober driver.
  • Buckle up and secure children, as required by Texas law.
  • Be patient and take your time. Being in a hurry to get there decreases safety.
  • Drive for the road conditions. Adjust vehicle speeds to traffic and weather conditions.

TxDOT plans no lane closures between Austin and Oklahoma. But crowded roadways both north and south of Dallas will call for patience from motorists.

There will only be one lane closure project in effect along I-35 in Texas. But it is not expected to impact traffic to Dallas. In San Antonio I-35 main lanes will be closed for the entire weekend in both directions from New Braunfels Avenue to AT&T Parkway in order to demolish the remaining bridge at Walters Street. Frontage roads will be open in this area.

Motorists traveling from the north may experience some delays in Oklahoma:

  • I-35 open to one lane in each direction between Braman and Blackwell - Kay County
  • I-35 open to one lane in each direction north of US 64 (Perry,OK) - Noble County
  • I-35 construction in Norman - heavy traffic, narrow lanes from Indian Hills Rd. to Main St.

Additional information is available online for Oklahoma traffic advisories and Texas road conditions.

Follow TxDOT and OKDOT on Twitter for traffic updates over the weekend.

For more information, contact TxDOT Government and Public Affairs Division at (512)463-8588.

The Texas Department of Transportation

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining nearly 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 13,000 employees strive to empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and preserving the value of the state's transportation assets. Find out more on the Txdot Web site.