Traffic in North Texas may slow to a snail’s pace as many visitors, combined with daily travelers, hit the road during the FIFA World Cup.
With nine games, a fan festival and the International Broadcast Center being hosted in Dallas-Fort Worth, transportation officials are estimating over a million additional people will be in the region. Traffic may be more congested around the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where the games will be hosted.
The first soccer match at the stadium, renamed Dallas Stadium for the duration of the World Cup, starts at 3 p.m. and is between Japan and the Netherlands. Officials have urged fans to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before kickoff and buy a parking pass no later than 24 hours prior to each game.
Weather may also play a role in slowing down commutes before and after the game, with scattered rain expected throughout North Texas.
Worried about traffic as the FIFA World Cup starts? Here’s what roads are looking like as of 10:30 am. Sunday:
Traffic along Interstate 30 is currently clear. This is the east-west route between Dallas and Arlington and is the main highway heading toward Dallas Stadium.
Interstate 20 is currently clear. This interstate provides access to Arlington from communities south of Dallas and Fort Worth and is an alternative route to Interstate 30.
Other routes leading to the stadium and around Arlington that may see increased traffic include State Highway 183, State Highway 360, State Highway 114 and President George Bush Turnpike.