Optimize system performance
Performance Dashboard
One of TxDOT's strategic goals is to develop and operate an integrated transportation system that provides reliable and accessible mobility and enables economic growth.
This is reflected in the following objectives:
- People and goods travel efficiently in Texas.
- Texas is a hub for trade and economic development.
- TxDOT partners to provide infrastructure that supports transportation options for moving people and goods.
To assess TxDOT’s progress toward this goal, we track the three performance measures below.
This is the number of annual miles traveled by vehicles.
The total vehicle mileage on our highway system reflects not only population and economic growth, but also driver behavior factors. These directly influence safety, as well as the congestion and reliability indices shown in our second measure focused on optimizing system performance.
Texas adds an average of 1,100 people each day, and according to the Texas Demographic Center, our metro population is projected to double by 2050. This rapid growth translates to more vehicles on the road and increased congestion across the state.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is a measure produced by TxDOT's Transportation Planning and Programming (TPP) Division from Roadway-Highway Inventory Network data. It measures the miles traveled on all Texas roadways, both on and off system, each year. It is calculated by multiplying TPP's daily VMT statewide number by 365.25.
These represent the average traffic congestion and travel time on Texas roadways.
The congestion index measures the average level of congestion on our roadways. A value of 1.00 means no congestion, while a value of 1.50, for example, means that an average trip takes 50% longer than normal. So a 20-minute drive might take 30 minutes.
The reliability index measures the consistency of travel times. A value of 1.00 means that travel times are highly consistent, no matter the day or time. A value of 1.50, on the other hand, means that travel varies to a degree that 50% more time should be allocated to ensure on-time arrival. So for a 20-minute trip, plan for an extra 10 minutes.
Transportation connects every aspect of our daily lives. While congestion reflects the growing activity of our communities, it also reminds us of the need for continued improvement. By tracking travel times across Texas, we can identify priority areas for projects that enhance mobility, reduce delays, and improve the overall reliability of our transportation system, helping Texans spend more time where it matters most.
The areas represented by the indices are determined as follows:
- Urban - areas with a population greater than 50,000 people
- Rural - areas with a population fewer than 50,000 people
The Truck Reliability Index is calculated for urban and rural areas using only commercial trucks.
The charts shown in the "Tracking performance" tab model the adjusted series of the congestion and reliability indices, which are produced by the collaboration between TxDOT's Transportation Planning and Programming Division's Traffic Analysis Section and Texas Transportation Institute. All indices include interstate, freeway, arterial, and collector roads.
This reflects the number of hours of delay per driver per year on Texas roadways.
The highway system in Texas serves the growing needs of the traveling public. Hours of delay on Texas roadways incur time and cost for businesses and the general population. Tracking the delay helps identify areas of improvement for relieving bottlenecks and enhancing the efficiency of the transportation system.
This measure estimates the annual delay per person in the state. It is the ratio of the total annual hours of delay for all vehicles on Texas roadways to the estimated population of Texas, according to the Texas Demographic Center.
Note: The chart in the "Tracking performance" tab models the adjusted series of annual delay per person, which is produced by the Texas Transportation Institute. This measure includes interstate, freeway, arterial, and collector roads.
What is TxDOT doing?
Texas is growing fast, and people are driving more than ever. Still, traffic congestion and travel delays remain historically low – due in part to changing travel habits and TxDOT’s efforts to keep traffic moving.
The Texas Clear Lanes initiative is a key component of TxDOT's strategy. It focuses on the state’s five largest metro areas—Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio —where, as of 2024, about 68% of Texans live and 94 of the state’s 100 most congested roads are located. As part of this initiative, TxDOT is:
- Making major investments: Committing billions of dollars to high-impact projects that improve mobility and reduce delays.
- Using data to guide decisions: Tracking traffic patterns and performance metrics to identify and prioritize the most congested roadways.
- Coordinating with local leaders: Partnering with cities and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to plan and deliver critical congestion relief efforts.