The One Temple, Texas Interchange You’ll Want to Skip During Rush Hour

Temple, Texas had not always been a city I explored, even though I lived in the heart of Central Texas. After years of employment, however, Temple has become something of a second go-to place for activities and small adventures. With a population of just a little bit under 100,000, it is not exactly what most people would consider a major city. It feels more like a charming town. That said, there is one area I strongly suggest visitors avoid—especially if they are in a hurry.

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Driving in Temple? Read This Before You Head Out

Don’t get me wrong; many cities have certain main roads with heavy traffic. However, taking nearly an hour to get from one side of Temple to the other is absolutely ridiculous, and this tends to happen if you travel along one particular street: 31st Street. It does not matter whether you are on the south side or the north side—31st Street is arguably the busiest main road in Temple.

Avoid the Gridlock: The Busiest Street in Temple You Should Steer Clear Of

Today alone, I experienced more traffic jams and near accidents in Temple than ever before. You might assume this is due to the holidays, but after speaking with residents, I learned that this congestion is normal. Thirty-first Street is widely known as one of the most congested roads in the city. This is likely because several hospitals and restaurants are located along the street, which contributes to constant traffic. Nonetheless, if you are in a rush, 31st Street is one road you should avoid at all costs.

Planning a Commute in Temple? Here is the One Road to Avoid

When I spoke with residents about why the street is so congested, many explained that 31st Street was one of the city’s first main roads. As a result, locals instinctively use it to get where they need to go. Additionally, visitors are drawn to the same road because of the restaurants and businesses along it. Based on my experience, my advice is simple: travel on 31st Street at your own risk.