You’re not imagining it. Traffic is getting worse in North Texas. Here’s proof

If sitting in traffic feels like it’s eating up more of your week than ever, you’re not imagining it.

A new report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that Dallas-Fort Worth drivers spent an average of 69 hours sitting in congestion in 2024, the highest total since 2019, before the pandemic changed how and when Texans traveled.

Researchers say North Texas traffic is worsening as more people move to the region and return to in-person work.

The report found that while many cities are still catching up to pre-pandemic traffic levels, Dallas-Fort Worth’s congestion has already surpassed where it was before COVID-19.

Here’s what to know:

How many hours did DFW drivers lose to traffic in 2024?

Researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute say DFW’s traffic delays add up to almost three full days of wasted time each year for the average commuter.

Instead of moving freely on highways like I-35, I-20, and U.S. 75, drivers are spending more time idling in slow moving lanes as the population keeps growing.

The Urban Mobility Report measures “delay time” as the difference between how long a trip should take at normal speeds and how long it actually takes in congestion.

Using that data, researchers found DFW drivers spent about 7 percent more time stuck in traffic than in 2019.

How does traffic in North Texas compare to other parts of the state?

Dallas-Fort Worth ranked among the most congested metro areas in Texas, alongside Austin and Houston.

In nearby cities, drivers are also spending more time on the road.

According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s data, McKinney drivers lost about 57 hours in 2024, up from less than 20 hours just five years ago.

Denton drivers averaged 37 hours in traffic, up from about 32 hours in 2019.

What’s causing the rise in DFW traffic delays?

Experts point to a mix of factors: more commuters returning to in-person work, rising freight traffic from the region’s growing industrial hubs, and population growth that’s outpacing road expansion.

Researchers say congestion has grown faster in smaller cities as new housing developments and warehouses pop up across North Texas suburbs.

Even though more people work remotely than before the pandemic, DFW’s midday traffic has gotten heavier. Thursday evenings are now just as congested as Fridays, according to data.

How much money are drivers losing while sitting in traffic?

All those wasted hours come at a cost. The report estimates that the average DFW commuter lost about $1,600 in 2024 due to fuel cost and lost time.

Researchers calculated the value of time using average wages. Every hour spent in traffic costs about $24 per person, or $36 per vehicle.

For truck drivers, those costs climb even higher, with commercial delays averaging $80 an hour in lost time and expenses. When multiplied by the region’s millions of commuters, the financial impact is staggering.

Researchers estimate that traffic congestion cost the Dallas-Fort Worth area billions of dollars in 2024, combining personal losses, business costs, and wasted fuel.

Why does this matter for North Texas commuters?

Traffic doesn’t just slow down commutes, it affects local economies.

When trucks and delivery vehicles sit idle on highways, the costs trickle down to consumers and businesses.

The study also found that travel patterns have shifted since 2020. Peak traffic hours are still around 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., but congestion now spreads throughout the day.

That means errands, school pickups, and lunch breaks all take longer than they used to.

What’s next for DFW traffic relief?

The Texas Department of Transportation is working on major projects through its Texas Clear Lanes program to help ease congestion in large metros like Dallas-Fort Worth.

Several key efforts are underway:

TxDOT says these projects are part of a long-term plan to reduce hours lost in traffic and improve reliability on major routes across the region.

Still, researchers warn that population growth, freight demand, and daily driving habits will likely shape North Texas traffic more than construction alone.

This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM.