Truck Traffic on Southern Section of SH 130 Increases More than 18 Percent in 2017

Heavy truck traffic along the 41-mile southern section of the SH 130 toll road increased by more than 18 percent year-over-year in 2017.

It’s the fourth consecutive year that heavy truck traffic has grown by double digits after increasing by 15 percent, 15 percent and 28 percent year-over-year in 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

Why are more truckers choosing SH 130?

We believe there are a number of reasons, starting with the fact that SH 130 is far more enjoyable to drive than stop-and-go I-35.

It’s also safer, which is a primary concern for professional drivers whose livelihood depends on a safe driving record. Safety is also a top priority for SH 130 Concession Co. as we operate and maintain the roadway.

Finally, SH 130 is far more reliable than I-35, which is important for drivers who have to deliver within tight timeframes while also adhering to strict regulations limiting the amount of hours they can drive each day. We expect reliability to become an even bigger factor in route choice going forward now that the long-planned federal rule requiring drivers to use Electronic Logging Devices has gone into effect to more accurately monitor operating hours.

Diverting heavy trucks away from I-35 through downtown Austin was one of the primary reasons SH 130 was envisioned, and we’re pleased that more commercials drivers are choosing the facility as an alternative.

Other drivers are increasingly choosing to drive SH 130 as well.

A total of more than 7.8 million toll transactions were completed along the roadway in 2017, a nearly 4 percent increase over 2016.

We’re pleased to report that traffic remains free flowing with no backups even with the increase in traffic and construction related to our $60 million improvement project.

Look for more updates on that project soon.