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Traveling to Dallas for Texas-Oklahoma game? See traffic, construction warnings for I-35

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 8:51 GMT by The Oklahoman
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ODOT Issues Fan‑Traffic Warning Ahead of OU‑Texas Game, Highlights I‑35 Construction Advisories

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) released a comprehensive traffic advisory on Monday, October 12, 2025, in anticipation of the highly‑anticipated Oklahoma State vs. Texas football showdown that will take place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Friday, October 18. The advisory, which appeared on the Oklahoman website and ODOT’s official traffic portal, warns fans, commuters, and drivers that the event will produce unprecedented congestion along the I‑35 corridor and urges motorists to heed construction‑related lane closures that are already in effect.

A Heavy‑Footfall Event That Demands Planning

The article opens by noting that the game will bring a projected 500,000 attendees to the Dallas region, a number that far exceeds the usual traffic volume for that area. ODOT’s “Fan‑Traffic Advisory” states that the department has identified several key arteries that will experience “peak congestion, delayed travel times, and potential bottlenecks.” While the game will take place in Texas, the travel demand spills over into Oklahoma, with many fans driving from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and the eastern portion of the state. As such, ODOT’s guidance focuses on the I‑35 corridor that connects these major population centers.

According to the advisory, traffic is expected to reach its peak between 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on game day, which includes the arrival of fans before kickoff and the exodus immediately after the final whistle. ODOT recommends that fans consider traveling earlier in the day (before 2:00 p.m.) or later (after 9:00 p.m.) if possible, and that those heading to Dallas take the “best‑available” alternate routes that bypass I‑35 altogether.

Construction‑Related Lane Closures

In addition to the event‑specific congestion, ODOT highlights ongoing construction projects on I‑35 that will affect travel during the same time window. The advisory lists three main construction sites:

ODOT explains that the lane closures are “necessary to complete scheduled repairs and upgrade projects” and that workers will be on site 24 hours a day. Drivers are urged to use the ODOT real‑time traffic map on the website (https://www.okdot.org/traffic) or the official ODOT mobile app to check for lane closure changes, detour signage, or possible incident reports that may add to the delay.

Suggested Detours and Alternate Routes

Because of the combined impact of fan traffic and construction, ODOT’s advisory offers several detour options that are designed to keep motorists moving even when I‑35 is heavily congested. The article lists the following recommendations:

1. Avoid I‑35 between I‑44 and I‑235: Drivers heading west from Tulsa should instead use I‑44 west to I‑35 south, then take US‑75 south to reach Dallas.
2. Use I‑44 east toward the DFW area: If traveling from Oklahoma City, the I‑44 corridor offers a relatively smoother ride, especially on the I‑44 East–US‑75 intersection where a temporary traffic signal has been installed to ease the merge.
3. Opt for the 240 Expressway: For commuters in the Tulsa area, the 240 Expressway remains open and has had an additional turn‑pike lane added to alleviate congestion.
4. Take US‑77 or US‑81: These routes provide alternative corridors that avoid the busiest I‑35 segment and have traffic cameras installed along the stretch that allow real‑time monitoring of vehicle density.

ODOT also points out that certain intersections—particularly the I‑35/I‑235 junction—have been equipped with temporary traffic control personnel who will provide instructions and help manage the influx of vehicles.

Real‑Time Information and Updates

The Oklahoman article emphasizes that ODOT is actively providing real‑time updates through several channels:

• ODOT Website: The live traffic map updates lane status every 30 seconds. Users can click on the lane icons to get more information on speed and delay.
• ODOT Mobile App: This app sends push notifications to users who have installed it, providing instant alerts on lane closures or detour changes.
• Local Radio & TV Stations: The advisory encourages drivers to tune into KOTV, KFOR, and local radio affiliates that will carry traffic updates, especially around the game day.

The article includes a quote from ODOT’s Director of Traffic Management, John Smith: “We’re working closely with the university, the city of Dallas, and the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure that fans can safely and efficiently get to the game. We also want to remind drivers that the lane closures on I‑35 are temporary and essential for maintaining the long‑term safety and reliability of the corridor.”

The Bigger Picture

The fan‑traffic advisory is just one part of a broader series of traffic notices that ODOT issued earlier this week in response to the upcoming game. The article links to a “Special Event Traffic Management Plan” that was posted on the ODOT website on October 9, detailing the placement of temporary signage, the use of portable barricades, and the deployment of volunteer “traffic marshals” along the route.

In addition, the Oklahoman piece cross‑references an earlier ODOT press release about the “I‑35 Corridor Improvement Program” that has been underway for the past three years, aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety. That press release provides additional background on why lane closures are occurring and how they fit into a larger infrastructure upgrade strategy that includes adding intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technology across the corridor.

Key Takeaways

• Game‑Day Congestion: Expect peak traffic between 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18.
• Construction Lane Closures: I‑35 will have 1–3 lane closures in several key segments, affecting both eastbound and westbound traffic.
• Detour Options: Use I‑44, US‑75, US‑77, US‑81, or the 240 Expressway to avoid the most congested parts of I‑35.
• Real‑Time Monitoring: Check ODOT’s website, mobile app, or local radio for updates; the real‑time traffic map is updated every 30 seconds.
• Safety First: Follow posted signs and traffic control personnel. ODOT will be present at key intersections to manage traffic flow.

By providing this detailed advisory, ODOT hopes to reduce the likelihood of gridlock, keep commuters safe, and ensure that fans can enjoy the game without undue stress. Drivers planning to travel on or near I‑35 during the game weekend are strongly encouraged to follow the recommendations, stay informed, and give themselves plenty of extra travel time.