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Traffic Question

Dallas, Texas area
3 posts
1 review
2 helpful votes
Traffic Question
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My family will be in Austin in a few weeks and are looking for a hotel in either North or Northwest Austin. On a couple of days, we will be going to a conference at UT. As far as early morning traffic congestion, will Mopac be an easier route to travel than 35(of course depending on which hotel we stay at)? Thanks for your help.

Austin, Texas
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4,473 posts
188 reviews
278 helpful votes
1. Re: Traffic Question
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I'm sure there is lots of disagreement on this topic, but I'll give you a vague answer. It depends. It really depends where in North Austin or Northwest you're coming from, if you are closer to either Mopac or 35 to start with, and how early your talking about leaving. I've done it both ways from all the way up in Round Rock to downtown and I prefer to take 35. I'm sure others will disagree with me on this one, but once you find out where you're staying, better advice may be forthcoming.

Mansfield, Texas
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1,393 posts
1 review
2 helpful votes
2. Re: Traffic Question
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I agree with MrTed on this one. And I will also add that sometime the traffic is soooo baaad that it is probably faster to walk! J/K LOL

Austin
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933 posts
12 reviews
34 helpful votes
3. Re: Traffic Question
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You'd do much better to stay near I35 since it cuts through the eastern part of UT. Try to stay in as close as possible. Better yet, try to avoid both I35 and Mopac.

Mansfield, Texas
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1,393 posts
1 review
2 helpful votes
4. Re: Traffic Question
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Amen!

Austin, Texas
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2,044 posts
56 reviews
47 helpful votes
5. Re: Traffic Question
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Call 512-478-0098 for the Austin Visitor's Center and get the visitor's guide and free maps. There are alternatives to Mo-Pac and I-35 and it will help you to figure out some of the side streets.

Good luck!

hk
Level Contributor
27 posts
42 reviews
178 helpful votes
6. Re: Traffic Question
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traffic is horrible during rush hours for both. I suggest you skip the freeways and go "local."

If you're staying near the Arboretum, get on 360 heading South, and then make a left turn on 2222, and just get on Shoalcreek or Lamar, which will take you through neighborhood streets, eventually to UT in a much shorter time than taking the freeway.

Bear in mind the next problem you would have is to find parking near Campus. For one, you cannot drive into campus unless you have a letter stating you have a special visitor's parking permit issued to you. Otherwise you'll either end up hunting for a parking space around 24th street's fraternity row, or have to park so far away that you'd need to take a shuttle to get near campus.

Austin, TX
Destination Expert
for Austin
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2,620 posts
159 reviews
164 helpful votes
7. Re: Traffic Question
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I prefer Mopac. There are less big rig trucks (technically not allowed on Mopac). Both are going to have major traffic during rush hours. Previous poster was correct about I-35 being closer to campus than Mopac.

Austin, Texas
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343 posts
34 reviews
47 helpful votes
8. Re: Traffic Question
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I agree the traffic is pretty slow in Austin during Rush Hour.

Traveling from North Austin let's say Parmer and I35 to MLK and I35 will take you about 30 minutes - give or take. If it's raining ha, ha, ha --- you will never get there, if there's a car accident - jokes on you again.

It just depends, but I'd say double any time estimate you get from Mapquest and voila you have your 7-830 AM commute time on I35 or Mo-pac.

9. Re: Traffic Question

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