Did you know Fort Worth is one of the worst cities for commuters in the country?
It ranked No. 10 in Forbes “Hardest Commutes in the U.S.” study, with an average commute time of 26.80 minutes. This beat Dallas, which had an average commute time of 29.70 minutes.
While this is certainly not a statistic to be proud of, we’re not that surprised by it either. If you are one of the millions of people in Fort Worth who commute every day, you know how difficult and frustrating it can be to get around.
The accidents, construction, congestion…
At Varghese Summersett, we understand the challenges of commuting in Fort Worth and Dallas. We’ve witnessed firsthand the accidents and injuries that often occur on our congested and dangerous roads. In this article, our personal injury attorneys explore why Fort Worth is one of the worst cities for commuters in the nation and what you should do if you find yourself involved in a traffic accident.
Factors that Affect Commute Times
In 2023, it took drivers an average of 11 minutes and 15 seconds to drive six miles in DFW—that’s 9 seconds more than in 2022. While this might seem like a minimal increase, it adds to overall congestion and extends commute times.
Each year, commuters in the DFW-area spend an estimated 80 hours in rush hour — time that could be used to read 16 books. Here are some factors that affect travel times and explain Fort Worth’s ranking as one of the worst cities for commuters.
Ongoing Construction Projects
Fort Worth infrastructure is constantly evolving to accommodate its growing population, resulting in numerous ongoing construction projects. Construction zones add minutes to your commute but also pose a significant safety risk, as drivers often have to navigate through narrow lanes, detours and delays.
On top of that, construction zones are prime locations for accidents due to the presence of heavy machinery and distracted workers. Here’s some problem areas due to construction projects:
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- Interstate 35W Expansion: This major project aims to improve traffic flow but causes significant delays during construction.
- North Tarrant Express: The expansion of highways 820 and 183 continues to impact commute times.
- Chisholm Trail Parkway: Ongoing work on this toll road affects traffic patterns in southwest Fort Worth.
- Southeast Connector: This $1.6 billion project involves rebuilding and widening approximately 16 miles of I-20 and I-820, impacting traffic in east and southeast Tarrant County.
- Downtown Fort Worth Streets: The final phase of a four-year program for improvements to downtown streets is underway, potentially causing disruptions in the city center.
- Cantrell Sansom Road: Widening work between Mark IV Parkway and the future IH 35W southbound frontage road may lead to traffic congestion.
- Bonds Ranch Road: While the main road work has been completed, ongoing drainage improvements may still affect traffic flow1.
These projects, while necessary for Fort Worth’s growth and development, require drivers to exercise extra caution and patience when navigating through affected areas.
Rapid Population Growth.
DFW has experienced significant population growth, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the DFW metropolitan area has surpassed 8.1 million residents.
This rapid growth has had significant impacts on traffic and congestion in the region, particularly in Fort Worth. Fort Worth has seen impressive growth, with a population of 978,468 in 2023, representing a 5.9 percent increase (54,866 people) from 2020 to 2023.
This population boom has significantly contributed to Fort Worth’s label as one of the worst cities for commuters. The surge in residents means more cars on the road and heightened strain on an already taxed infrastructure. The city’s roadways, many of which were not designed to handle such a high volume of traffic, frequently experience congestion, delays, and accidents.
With more people commuting to work, school, and other activities, the average travel time has steadily increased, making daily commutes not only longer but also more frustrating. The city’s rapid growth outpaces the ability to expand and modernize transportation systems, further compounding the problem.
For commuters, this means navigating packed highways, enduring longer delays, and facing greater risks of accidents. These challenges have solidified Fort Worth’s position among the worst cities for commuters in the country.
Limited Public Transit Options
One of the key factors contributing to Fort Worth’s reputation as one of the worst cities for commuters is its limited public transit infrastructure. Unlike many major metropolitan areas, Fort Worth lacks a comprehensive and widely accessible public transportation system, leaving most residents heavily reliant on personal vehicles for their daily commutes.
The city’s primary public transit service, Trinity Metro, offers bus routes, the TEXRail commuter train, and limited connections to surrounding areas. However, these services often fall short in terms of coverage, frequency, and convenience. Many neighborhoods, particularly in suburban and outlying areas, have no access to public transportation, forcing residents to drive.
Additionally, public transit options in Fort Worth are often criticized for their inability to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Long wait times, limited routes, and a lack of integration between transit systems make it difficult for residents to rely on public transportation as a viable alternative to driving.
The lack of efficient public transit contributes to heavier traffic congestion as more cars flood the roads, exacerbating commute times and increasing the risk of accidents. Without significant investment in expanding and modernizing public transit options, Fort Worth will likely continue to struggle with its label as one of the worst cities for commuters in the United States.
High Accident Rates
Fort Worth’s high accident rates are a significant factor in its ranking as one of the worst cities for commuters. In 2023, Fort Wooth had 13,400 car accidents, making it the fifth ranked Texas city for the most accident. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and El Paso took the top four positions.
The city’s congested roadways, combined with the challenges of navigating construction zones and a lack of public transit alternatives, create a perfect storm for traffic collisions. With heavy traffic on major highways like I-35W and Loop 820, drivers are often forced to deal with stop-and-go conditions. This can lead to frustration, impatience, and aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, and speeding—all of which increase the likelihood of accidents.
Ongoing infrastructure projects further compound the problem. Construction zones often have reduced speed limits, narrow lanes, and abrupt detours, which can confuse drivers and increase the risk of crashes. Heavy machinery and distracted workers add to the danger, making these areas hotspots for accidents.
When accidents do occur, they often cause significant delays. Lane closures, emergency response vehicles, and rubbernecking drivers can turn a typical commute into a nightmare. For a city already struggling with long travel times, these incidents only make matters worse.
The combination of these factors makes commuting in Fort Worth not only time-consuming but also hazardous, underscoring its reputation as one of the worst cities for commuters in the United States.
Fort Worth’s Most Problematic Roads
Fort Worth’s rapid growth and evolving infrastructure have made certain roads and intersections notoriously difficult to navigate. Here’s a look at some of the most problematic and dangerous roads and traffic areas in Fort Worth.
- Interstate 35W (I-35W): Particularly congested near downtown. The stretch from SH 183 to IH 30 is especially problematic.
- Interstate 820 (I-820): Experiences heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
- Highway 287/81: Has only two lanes each way in some sections, which is inadequate for the current population.
- The 121 to I-35 westbound interchange: Often adds over 30 minutes to travel times.
- Downtown area: Generally experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Woodall Rodgers Freeway (SS 366): From US 75 to N Beckley Ave, ranked as the most congested road in the DFW region.
- The intersection of East Lancaster Avenue and Riverside Drive: Known for confusing traffic signals and heavy pedestrian traffic.
- West Loop 820 and Camp Bowie West Boulevard intersection: Complex and experiences heavy traffic volume.
- Areas around the Presidio shopping center: Described as poorly designed, exacerbating traffic problems.
- Major thoroughfares like Beach Street and Riverside Drive: Increasingly congested as drivers try to avoid highway traffic.
These problematic areas contribute to Fort Worth’s ranking as one of the worst cities for commuters, with an average commute time of 26.80 minutes. The city’s rapid growth, ongoing construction projects, and limited highway capacity in some areas all contribute to these traffic issues.
Common Causes of Congestion in North Texas
Traffic congestion is a daily frustration for millions of commuters, particularly in cities like Fort Worth, where roadways are pushed to their limits. From overcrowded highways to poorly timed traffic signals, various factors contribute to the gridlock that makes commutes longer and more stressful. Here’s a closer look at the most common causes of congestion and why they continue to plague urban areas.
- High Traffic Volume: The sheer number of vehicles on the road, especially during peak commuting hours, overwhelms the capacity of highways and city streets. This is particularly common in growing cities like Fort Worth, where infrastructure struggles to keep up with population increases.
- Construction Zones: Ongoing roadwork reduces the number of available lanes, creates bottlenecks, and forces drivers to navigate detours. These disruptions not only slow traffic but also increase the risk of accidents, further compounding congestion.
- Traffic Accidents: Collisions, breakdowns, or stalled vehicles often lead to lane closures or rubbernecking delays. These incidents create ripple effects, slowing traffic for miles in both directions.
- Poor Traffic Signal Timing: Inefficiently timed traffic lights can cause unnecessary stops and slowdowns, particularly at busy intersections. This disrupts the flow of traffic and leads to backlogs, even during non-peak hours.
- Bottlenecks: Road designs with choke points, such as merging lanes, narrow bridges, or toll plazas, restrict traffic flow and create congestion as vehicles slow to navigate these areas.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as heavy rain, fog, or ice, often forces drivers to reduce speed, increasing commute times and contributing to backups.
- Special Events: Concerts, sporting events, or large gatherings can significantly increase the number of vehicles on the road in a localized area, causing temporary congestion.
- Lack of Public Transit Options: In cities with limited or inadequate public transportation systems, more commuters rely on personal vehicles, leading to greater congestion.
- Population Growth: Rapid urbanization and population increases put additional strain on existing road infrastructure, leading to frequent and widespread traffic jams.
- Driver Behavior: Distracted driving, rubbernecking, and improper merging techniques often disrupt traffic flow and exacerbate congestion, particularly during already busy times.
Addressing these common causes requires strategic urban planning, investment in infrastructure, and improvements in public transit to reduce the overall reliance on personal vehicles.
Best Times to Avoid Traffic in Fort Worth
To avoid traffic congestion in Fort Worth, it is essential to know the best times to travel. Here are the optimal times for minimizing delays:
Mid-Morning:
Time Frame: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
After the morning rush hour, traffic typically eases up. This window allows for smoother travel as most commuters have already reached their destinations.
Early Afternoon:
Time Frame: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This period is generally quiet, with minimal traffic on major roads and highways, making it an ideal time for errands or appointments.
Late Evening:
Time Frame: After 7:00 p.m.
Once the evening rush hour has subsided, traffic significantly decreases, allowing for faster travel across the city.
Weekends:
Generally, weekends experience lighter traffic compared to weekdays. However, be mindful of special events or activities that may lead to localized congestion.
Additional Tips for Avoiding Traffic
Use Real-Time Traffic Apps: Utilize GPS navigation tools like Waze or Google Maps to monitor traffic conditions and find alternative routes in real-time.
Plan Around Construction: Stay informed about ongoing construction projects that may affect your route and adjust your travel times accordingly.
Carpooling and Public Transit: Consider carpooling or using public transportation options like Trinity Metro services, which can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
By strategically planning your travel during these off-peak times, you can minimize delays and enhance your commuting experience in Fort Worth.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident in Fort Worth or DFW?
Unfortunately, auto accidents are an inevitable part of commuting, and it’s crucial to know how to handle them if they occur. Here are some steps you should take if you’re involved in a collision:
1. Check for Injuries: The first priority after an accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
2. Move to a Safe Area: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area away from traffic.
3. Exchange Information: Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. DON’T ADMIT FAULT
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of any damage to vehicles, the surrounding area, and any injuries sustained.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company – but if injuries are involved, we recommend contacting a Personal Injury attorney first.
6. Seek Legal Advice: If significant damages or injuries are involved, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the claims process and protect your rights.
How Varghese Summesett Can Help if You’re Involved in a Fort Worth Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident in Fort Worth, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance claims, and understanding your legal rights, it’s easy to feel lost.
At Varghese Summersett, we’re here to help you through this difficult time with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to securing the best outcome for your case.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can assist you with:
- Determining Fault: We will thoroughly investigate your accident to identify responsible parties and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. We’ll handle communications and negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Maximizing Compensation: From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, we’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve.
- Litigation Support: If a settlement cannot be reached, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to pursue justice on your behalf.
- Providing Personalized Guidance: Every case is unique. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and provide tailored legal advice to address your specific needs.
At Varghese Summersett, we’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges commuters face on Fort Worth’s roads and the impact accidents have on individuals and families. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the rest. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get back on track. Call 817-203-2220 today.
