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dave94
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1:59p, 11/14/25
AG
Heading down for the game in the morning. It's been a couple of years since I've made the drive from Dallas, what's the preferred route nowadays? Curious how much traffic there will be for the early start.

Much obliged.
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3rd Platoon
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2:05p, 11/14/25
AG
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6
---------------------------------------
aka Commander 99 and "The Fake Dave South"
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Ag CPA
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4:04p, 11/14/25
AG
Back in the day this was a hotly debated topic on this board.
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to 3rd Platoon • 8:45p, 11/14/25
AG
3rd Platoon said:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6

THIS^^^^

100%
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NormanEH
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 9:10p, 11/14/25
That gas station still there to pick up a 20 ouncer?
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FightinTxAggie
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In reply to NormanEH • 2:14p, 11/16/25
There's an Exxon in North Zulch as you're turning on to 21.
Visit: davidmaddron.net for all your travel needs!
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YouBet
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In reply to 3rd Platoon • 6:00p, 11/16/25
AG
I remember the first time I drove this. It was so much less stressful than 35 and pleasant to drive!
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fc2112
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6:52p, 11/16/25
Depends on where from Dallas you're coming. Either 45 or 35. I still think TX 14 to Highway 6 is fastest from east side to north Dallas.
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to fc2112 • 7:50p, 11/16/25
AG
fc2112 said:
Depends on where from Dallas you're coming. Either 45 or 35. I still think TX 14 to Highway 6 is fastest from east side to north Dallas.


Nah. Goes through too many small towns.


I-45 flies down to OSR - you get as far south as quickly as possible without dealing with Madisonville traffic.
At OSR exit there is nothing but a single gas station, and nothing to slow you down all the way to Normangee.
One stop sign there with never any backup and left onto 39 (rarely even any cross traffic).
Nothing until North Zulch (which it really bypasses) and again one stop (really a yield) and a quick right.
Nothing on 21 and it's widened to 4 lanes now for 90% of it to Bryan.
One light at 6 turning left and you're down to University in about 10 minutes.


You can do that entire route without every really stopping and I don't even usually have to pass anyone on the short two lane segments.

I've done it in 2:35 from around North Park in Dallas. The worst traffic is usually on 75 and 45 until after I-20.

If you have to stop the gas station at OSR (with an Arby's) is actually decent and not like a Buccee's level of delay. I've never waited there to pump gas, or for the restroom, or to check out if I buy something.
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DannyDuberstein
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In reply to 3rd Platoon • 8:17p, 11/16/25
AG
3rd Platoon said:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6


Took this route for decades, but as time has gone on, that 60+ mile stretch where 45 is 2 lanes has become more and more problematic. Accidents that cause major issues. Trucks in the left lane passing trucks. We switched to 35-77-6 when they were resurfacing 39 a few years ago and haven't looked back. 35 is 3 or 4 lanes the entire way, so the left lane usually stays as a solid passing lane vs jockeying with trucks and the accidents those seem to cause. Coming from DNT area of Plano, time difference is negligible when both work well, but 35-6 has been far less prone to issues.
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to DannyDuberstein • 8:41p, 11/16/25
AG
DannyDuberstein said:
3rd Platoon said:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6


Took this route for decades, but as time has gone on, that 60+ mile stretch where 45 is 2 lanes has become more and more problematic. Accidents that cause major issues. Trucks in the left lane passing trucks. We switched to 35-77-6 when they were resurfacing 39 a few years ago and haven't looked back. 35 is 3 or 4 lanes the entire way, so the left lane usually stays as a solid passing lane vs jockeying with trucks and the accidents those seem to cause. Coming from DNT area of Plano, time difference is negligible when both work well, but 35-6 has been far less prone to issues.


That I-35 part was a disaster for several years with the 5th reconstruction of I-35 through Waco and around Hillsboro. Now that it is done it's not bad.

I do go that way when I pick up my sister because she is in Arlington (on I-35W until Hillsboro). And it's not bad now for sure. Much better than when I was in school due to 6 being widened most of the way and bypassing most of the small towns it used to run through.

The only real issues are Hearne and Calvert as it still goes through those with multiple lights and 30 mph speed traps. But I did it in about 2:40 the last time from Arlington.
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DannyDuberstein
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 8:58p, 11/16/25
AG
Right. The E and W merge in Hillsboro was a disaster for years, but it's so wide and easy now. Also if on 35E, you have the express lanes to get to (or from) downtown which is also great. Yeah, there are a couple of towns on 6, but at least it is 2 lanes the entire way. No 1 lane portion at any point while OSR, 39, and parts of 21 have 1 lane risk of being stuck behind a slowpoke for a stretch. I think a lot of people are like me where 45 was far and away the best for so many years that you just stop considering the other option. But that 39 resurfacing mess got me to try the other and it stuck.
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to DannyDuberstein • 9:47p, 11/16/25
AG
I never seem to get stuck behind anyone though. And after the resurfacing its smooth.
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fc2112
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 4:11a, 11/17/25
I guess I should say - if you drive the speed limit, TX 14 to Highway 6 is the fastest route.
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Matsui
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In reply to dave94 • 7:50a, 11/17/25
AG
Well, how'd it go?
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to fc2112 • 8:20a, 11/17/25
AG
fc2112 said:
I guess I should say - if you drive the speed limit, TX 14 to Highway 6 is the fastest route.


Yeah no. That's part of why I drive I-45/OSR/39/21 route. I never see cops on that route and routinely go 85 mph on all of those sections with hardly any stops.

All of those small towns you pass through on 14, 6, and even on I-35 (more so than on I-45) you see speed traps or just cops cruising along to keep everyone at the speed limit.

I've never been pulled over on my route. I've been pulled over on I-35 and hwy 6 multiple times over the years.

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fc2112
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 8:50a, 11/17/25
Then quit speeding.

But I guess some of us are criminals and some aren't. And before anyone gets offended:

criminal - noun - one who has committed a crime

crime - noun - an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government

Speeding is a crime. Ergo, speeders are criminals.
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powerbelly
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In reply to fc2112 • 8:52a, 11/17/25
AG
fc2112 said:
Depends on where from Dallas you're coming. Either 45 or 35. I still think TX 14 to Highway 6 is fastest from east side to north Dallas.

Now that you can go 80 on 45 I don't think 14-6 is worth the slowdowns in the small towns.
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to powerbelly • 8:55a, 11/17/25
AG
powerbelly said:
fc2112 said:
Depends on where from Dallas you're coming. Either 45 or 35. I still think TX 14 to Highway 6 is fastest from east side to north Dallas.

Now that you can go 80 on 45 I don't think 14-6 is worth the slowdowns in the small towns.


Exactly. And all the way to OSR keeps you on interstate as long as possible without going through Madisonville which is always slow.

I thought the goal was quickest route. Not safest. Or shortest.

PS you can also go 80-85 on OSR (until you hit the curves right before Normangee and speed limit drops but it's a tiny town and literally one stop sign) and on 39 (nothing out there) and on 21 (everyone is hauling a**).
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Buford Tannen
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In reply to 3rd Platoon • 10:05a, 11/17/25
AG
3rd Platoon said:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6

I hope you made it a true daily double because this is 100% correct
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dave94
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In reply to Matsui • 11:53a, 11/17/25
AG
Matsui said:
Well, how'd it go?

This was the winner and it worked great both directions!

3rd Platoon said:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6

Only had to deal with 1 large vehicle on OSR but it was real close to the turn off so no need for the 3-4 cars in front of me to pass.

Definitely a more scenic drive than I35-6 and didn't encounter any accidents or po-po.

Thank god for the second half because the drive home after having started at 6am would have SUCKED with a bad 'L' to be pissed about.

#gigem
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akaggie05
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12:21p, 11/17/25
AG
We've fallen into a pattern of using two different routes, largely based on timing of each leg of the trip.

Friday evenings: 75-45-OSR-39-21-6. 45 seems to move pretty good once out of Dallas and I find it better to avoid 14 at night. Deer, drunks, etc.

Sunday afternoon return: 6-14-45-75. There always seem to be more bottlenecks on 21 and 45 on Sundays after game days. 14 during daylight hours is smooth sailing except for the small towns.

Speed traps to be aware of in general between Dallas and CS (any route):

- Small towns just south of Dallas. Wilmer-Hutchins, Ferris, Palmer (45), and Italy (35). Not quite as bad now that the speed limit doesn't drop to 60 on the interstates any more. Don't blast through there doing 85 and you'll be fine.

- Any of the small towns along 14. Often see a cop posted up right where the speed limit drops.

- Hearne and Calvert on 6. Same as above.
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FincAg
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12:30p, 11/17/25
AG
Quote:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6

Be very very aware the State Troopers like to sit in the rail road gravel depot near the 4 way stop at OSR and 39 in Normangee and pull you over for ANYTHING.

40 means 40 on OSR before Normangee and watch your acceleration going south on 39 as you hit the J&T beer barn.

Rolling stop = ticket
Expired tags = ticket
Blinker or break lights malfunction = ticket
Open container = ticket
Whitetail in the bed = game warden is going to be asking for tags
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to FincAg • 12:35p, 11/17/25
AG
Odd I have never once in 2 decades of driving that route seen a trooper anywhere on OSR/39.

I've seen a few on 21 but everyone is flying and the opposite flow will give you a flash of headlights to warn you. Usually they already have someone pulled over anyway.

doing 85 on I-45 is never usually an issue you have a lot of visibility ahead of you. Although around Ennis you need to slow to no more than +5 over the speed limit.

I always see a lot more on I-35 and 6.
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fc2112
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12:35p, 11/17/25
Per Google Maps, Dallas to College Station

I-35 -> Hwy 6 - 2 hr, 44 min
I-45 -> OSR -> 39 -> 190, 2 hr, 46 min
I-45 -> 14 -> Hwy 6 - 2 hr, 50 min

Google Maps assumes you are driving the speed limit. So I-35 is nominally fastest IF you are obeying the law.

I have no idea which one gives you the fastest time if you break the law.
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FincAg
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 12:55p, 11/17/25
AG
Grew up in Normangee, North Zulch, and College Station and have only ever gotten a ticket at that intersection. Twice for late tags (entirely my fault, but keen eye by the trooper) and once because my "head did not hit the head rest" when I came to a stop.

Normangee lost it's police force for a time and asked the county and the state troopers to step in. They might have their force back. Unfortunately Normangee and Madison County are a convenient drug exchange point between Houston and Dallas. Normangee police chief got busted for helping meth move through 10 years or so ago.

Just a word of caution is all.
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drewser95
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In reply to akaggie05 • 2:09p, 11/17/25
AG
akaggie05 said:
Friday evenings: 75-45-OSR-39-21-6. 45 seems to move pretty good once out of Dallas and I find it better to avoid 14 at night. Deer, drunks, etc.

Would add that turning left/south from 14 onto southbound Hwy 6 is treacherous at night, when busy.

Got a late start leaving Dallas this past Friday, and it was well past sundown once I got to 6. That curve just to the north makes it hard to judge the speed of southbound traffic when it's dark.

Daytime, 45/14/6 is still my preferred route. The little towns help break up the monotony.
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StateofTexas
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9:20p, 11/17/25
AG
45 to 21. No stops, no 2 lane BS, 90mph highway.
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YouBet
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In reply to fc2112 • 10:14p, 11/17/25
AG
fc2112 said:
Per Google Maps, Dallas to College Station

I-35 -> Hwy 6 - 2 hr, 44 min
I-45 -> OSR -> 39 -> 190, 2 hr, 46 min
I-45 -> 14 -> Hwy 6 - 2 hr, 50 min

Google Maps assumes you are driving the speed limit. So I-35 is nominally fastest IF you are obeying the law.

I have no idea which one gives you the fastest time if you break the law.


If you aren't breaking the law, then what's the point?

My car goes 160 for a reason!
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aggiesherpa
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11:03p, 11/17/25
AG
If going through Waco, South bound 35 is currently down to two lanes south of the brazos.

We live in Coppell and made the drive this last week. Had to stop in Waco to see new niece and nephew. I will never drive through FW again. And I much prefer going 45 to 14 to 6.
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to StateofTexas • 11:15p, 11/17/25
AG
StateofTexas said:
45 to 21. No stops, no 2 lane BS, 90mph highway.

2 lane usually goes 80+ anyway and you don't have the backup that is always there in Madisonville.

That adds 10+ minutes to that route on any game day.
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DannyDuberstein
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In reply to aggiesherpa • 7:30a, 11/18/25
AG
aggiesherpa said:
If going through Waco, South bound 35 is currently down to two lanes south of the brazos.

We live in Coppell and made the drive this last week. Had to stop in Waco to see new niece and nephew. I will never drive through FW again. And I much prefer going 45 to 14 to 6.


Taking the 35-77-6 has you off 35 before you get near that mess.
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Robert C. Christian
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 7:41a, 11/18/25
AG
Zombie Jon Snow said:
StateofTexas said:
45 to 21. No stops, no 2 lane BS, 90mph highway.

2 lane usually goes 80+ anyway and you don't have the backup that is always there in Madisonville.

That adds 10+ minutes to that route on any game day.

I switched over to 45/75/190 after getting stuck behind too many people on the OSR route. Madisonville hasn't been too bad that way since you can cut through a side street if there is a back up at the lights.

They are getting ready to expand 190 from Madisonville to the current 4 lane. Will likely switch back to OSR while that is going on.
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PDEMDHC
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In reply to 3rd Platoon • 11:28a, 11/18/25
AG
3rd Platoon said:
45 to OSR
OSR to 39/Normangee
39 to 21
21 to 6



Only exception is if you have a restroom emergency... then it's 45 to 21 to stop at Buc-ee's.
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DannyDuberstein
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11:48a, 11/18/25
AG
The restroom emergency is stop at Woody's just before OSR and still go 45-osr-39-21
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