KC to Houston tips?

[99guy]

Mama and I will be traveling from Kansas City to south end of Houston via Wichita – Oklahoma City – Dallas, I guess that is. Any better route? Anything to avoid? What about going through Dallas, does that get difficult? Need to do it in a day, long day that is, leaving Friday. Thanks in advance…. Oh, no trailer this trip, just the truck.

 

[Pawpaw]

I live just outside of Dallas. When I return home from KC, I use 71 South to I-44 West. At Big Cabin OK, take US-69 South.



In Atoka OK, 69 will join up with US-75 which will take you straight through downtown Dallas, where it becomes I-45 South to Houston.



Yep. Dallas traffic is a bear if you hit it at the wrong time. If you can time it so you go through before 3pm or after 7pm, it won't be much worse than KC around rush hour.



Even if you stay with the route you mentioned, there is no "good" route around the Metroplex at rush hour.



Bob

 

[99guy]

Bob, that looks OK too, after looking at your route I’m wondering what it would be jumping off 69 at the Indian Turnpike, then South through Paris, Lufkin, and on into Houston and miss Dallas completely. Thinking we might hit Dallas during the rush.

 

[Pawpaw]

The only problem I see with that route is the time. I haven't driven those roads in years, but I'm sure you'll loose way more time than you'll save bypassing Dallas.



I haven't driven those roads in years, but they are 2-lane and go through lots of small towns.



You could stay on 69 to Greenville. Then take I-30 West (right past my house in Rockwall) to I-635 South. 635 will turn into I-20 West and take I-45 south.



That will bypass the worst of the traffic. The worst part will be 635 & 20. The good news is that's only a 16 mile stretch of your trip.

 

[99guy]

Bob, Are you just trying to get me routed by your house ?!?! Just kidding! Do you really like the 71-69-75 route to Dallas better than the I35 route. I’ve only been toying with a mapping program since I don’t have any knowledge of the roads. It’s telling me 35 is a little longer but also a little quicker than 71-69-75 but of course my mapping program and laptop have never driven the route either. Firsthand knowledge is usually king.

 

[Pawpaw]

Originally posted by 99guy

Bob, Are you just trying to get me routed by your house ?!?! Just kidding! Do you really like the 71-69-75 route to Dallas better than the I35 route. I’ve only been toying with a mapping program since I don’t have any knowledge of the roads. It’s telling me 35 is a little longer but also a little quicker than 71-69-75 but of course my mapping program and laptop have never driven the route either. Firsthand knowledge is usually king.

That wouldn't be a bad idea, but if you're travelling this weekend, I won't be home.



Yes, I like the shorter route better, but that's me. I don't think there's much, if any, time difference between the two (between KC and Dallas).



The I-35 route is all interstate... set the cruise and forget it. US-69, while mostly 4-lane, goes through lots of small towns.



Also, coming into Dallas on I-35, there is no way to avoid the traffic. You'll just have to bite the bullet and plow straight through town.



Bob

 

[99guy]

Bob, sure do appreciate all the help, think I will follow your advice, at least to the 69 – 75 split, may go on through E. side Dallas, or Greenville and then over, maybe someone will chime in on just 69 S. beyond Greenville as well before we build a fire in the rig tomorrow morning. One things for sure, leaving this 8 degree weather here will have some benefit in and of itself! Thanks again …. .

 

[Pawpaw]

Glad to help.



One thing to keep in mind though. If you decide to stay on 75, it is best to just keep going south until it becomes I-45. Stay off of I-635 East at all costs!



As bad as 75 can get, I-635 East from 75 to I-30 is far worse.



In the evening rush, most traffic on 75 will be going north.



Most traffic on 635 will be going East.



There is construction at the 75 & 635 interchange. They're building the "High Five". It's supposed to be the tallest interchange in the US, I think.



Stay in the left lane thru there and you'll be OK.





Have a safe trip and enjoy the truck!