Study: North Texas Roads Worst In State
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A study released this week by a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit found that North Texas drivers spend an average of 38 hours a year in traffic, making the region's roads the worst in the state.
The study, issued by TRIP, attributed some of the qualms to the Dallas-Fort Worth area's current population of about six million people and its rapid growth pattern.
In true independent Texas spirit, the study found many of the region's drivers commute to work or school in their own vehicles, which leads to congestion on the roadways.
"There is way too much traffic," said resident Alyssia Lujan.
Fort Worth District 6 Councilman Jungus Jordan said he has studied the North Texas mobility issue for years and found there is no simple solution.
In addition to the amount of time spent driving, the report found the average North Texas driver spends roughly $2,000 a year as a result of poor road conditions, lost work productivity from traffic delays, car crashes and road conditions that lead to repairs.
"When you stop and think…that's a considerable amount of money," Jordan said.
While spending years awaiting approval on large transportation projects, there is a need to repair roads locally, albeit on a smaller scale, Jordan said.
"The state, local and federal officials have to work to find solutions to our gridlock situation. Whether it be road repair, road construction, better arterials, better connectivity or transit," Jordan said.
While some drivers wait on a solution, others said they are learning to live with it.
"I hate it but it's a good place to live; What are you going to do," asked Fort Worth resident Jonathan Nissen.