64 Hours in Traffic: Austin’s Most Reliable Relationship

Austin Traffic: A Love Story (Because Clearly, We’re All Stuck in It Together)

Ah, Austin traffic—the city’s most committed relationship. You can always count on it to be there for you, whether you’re late for work, a date, or just trying to escape the existential dread of another scorching Texas summer. According to the latest Urban Mobility Report, the average Austinite spent a cool 64 hours in traffic last year. That’s 64 hours of honking, cursing, and questioning life choices—basically, a free therapy session with your steering wheel as the only listener.

But hey, look on the bright side! We’re only the 30th worst in the nation. San Antonio drivers, those lucky devils, only lost 48 hours to the asphalt purgatory. Meanwhile, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth are out here living their best Mad Max lives with 76 and 69 hours, respectively. Nice.

Why Is Austin’s Traffic Only Terrible Instead of Apocalyptic?

Turns out, Texas voters did something right for once (shocking, I know). Back in 2014 and 2015, they threw billions at highway projects like it was Monopoly money. And guess what? It kinda worked. Traffic didn’t get better, per se, but it also didn’t get worse. In Austin-speak, that’s what we call a win.

The New Rush Hour: Anytime You’re in a Hurry

Remember when rush hour was just, like, a thing that happened in the morning and evening? Cute. Now, thanks to hybrid work schedules, traffic has become a 24/7 emotional support crisis. Need to run errands at 2 PM? Congrats, you’re now part of the midday mosh pit. Thursday is the new Friday, Monday is the new Sunday, and your GPS is just as confused as you are.

Trucks: Because Your Amazon Prime Delivery Can’t Wait

Let’s not forget the real MVPs of gridlock: commercial trucks. Thanks to our collective addiction to next-day shipping, trucks are clogging up roads at all hours, burning through 3.8 million gallons of fuel just idling in Austin traffic. That’s enough gas to power Elon Musk’s ego for a solid week.

The Silver Lining?

At least we’re not Houston. Or Los Angeles. Or any city where drivers have to budget actual days of their lives for commuting. So next time you’re stuck on I-35, just remember: you could be in Dallas. And honestly, that’s all the perspective you need.