Current traffic data shows that the average commuter’s time spent stuck in congestion is at its lowest level since 2014. Traffic delays were trending up until they hit a peak of an average of 31 hours per commuter lost annually to driving delays. But since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Waco’s drivers only average 14 hours of lost time per year.

Waco is situated in central

Texas

by the Brazos River. It’s the home of beloved beverage Dr. Pepper and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates the state’s namesake law enforcement agency.

It’s also home to a fairly relaxed flow of traffic if you can handle some occasional narrow roadways and hotspots. That’s why we've has assembled this guide to getting around the worst traffic in Waco.

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How bad is Waco traffic?

Compared to other cities in Texas, Waco’s traffic is pretty easygoing. It ranks low when it comes to congestion delays, and the city’s roadways have undergone continuous improvement projects to keep things flowing.

However, Waco is intersected by the heavily-traveled I-35. The city is part of the main corridor through Texas and sees a constant flow of travelers passing through on the interstate. Complicating things is the notorious I-35 roadwork schedule. While the improvements are helpful, the process is painful as roadwork can cause delays and detours through the city.

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What causes Waco’s heavy traffic?

Waco is a city with a small population that still sees a lot of traffic due to its position on the interstate right between the major hubs of

Austin

and

Dallas

. Here are a few more factors causing congestion on Waco’s roads.

Population size

Waco’s population is about 136,000 and it’s incredibly sprawled out. Its population density is just 1,600 people per square mile. While the spacious spread sounds nice, it’s important to remember a large sprawl also means a lot of driving.

The saying, “everything’s bigger in Texas,” holds true in Waco, as the city is stretched out across 101 square miles.

Major chokepoints

Waco is just one of many smaller Texas cities dotting the I-35 stretch between Dallas and Austin. Because the interstate is so frequently punctuated, traffic congestion can stretch down the interstate from city to city during the worst travel times.

In Waco’s city limits, the traffic conditions remain pretty light aside from the usual rush hour periods. Most notably, Waco’s traffic can get hairy along West Waco Drive, 6th Street, and Mary Avenue.

Driving habits

Like a lot of other cities, Waco sees its worst traffic during typical rush hour periods of 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 8 pm. However, the traffic tends to drop off in the early evening hours. The afternoon commute from 4 pm to 5 pm is often worse than it is after 5 p.m.

A lot of the traffic in Waco isn’t made up of local commuters. Rather, it’s people passing through on the I-35 corridor from one end of Texas to the other. That’s why the major interchanges can be busy any time of day—not just during rush hour.

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How to navigate Waco traffic like a pro

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s good to have an idea of how to best get through Waco traffic. Keep your schedule on track and stay safe with these tips:

Watch for road work. I-35 undergoes frequent improvements and upgrades throughout the state. You can plan ahead by checking out

My35

, which keeps Texas drivers updated on road work schedules and impacts.

Avoid rush hour when you can. The best way to avoid congestion is to plan your trip around the busiest periods of traffic. Driving in the early morning, mid-day, or later in the evening can save you a headache.

Take a backroad. It’s always good to have a plan B. Take the time to map out an alternate route before you start driving. If you encounter a traffic delay, you’ll have a detour on-hand to get moving again.

Tune in to local traffic reports. Follow local traffic updates from

KWTX 97.5 FM

to stay in the know about current conditions—or download a

traffic app

to stay informed.

Keep your focus. Even in light traffic, you need to stay focused on the road and your surroundings. This will keep you and your car safe and will help you navigate efficiently through any congestion that you encounter. Avoid common driving distractions, like using your phone, shuffling podcasts, or eating while driving.

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Prepare for Waco traffic by updating your car insurance

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Is Waco hard to drive in?

Like any other city, Waco sees its share of traffic snags. But for the most part, driving in Waco is a fairly smooth experience. Be sure to check for road work and other road conditions ahead of time—especially if you’ll be driving on the I-35.

Where is the worst traffic congestion in Waco?

Waco has a few traffic hotspots besides I-35. It’s a good idea to check traffic conditions around West Waco Drive, 6th Street, and Mary Avenue before heading out.

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