Thinking about living in Kaufman but working in Dallas? You’re not alone. Many buyers choose Kaufman for space and value, then make the US‑175 commute toward Dallas job centers. In this guide, you’ll learn what the drive really feels like, how long it typically takes, when traffic is heaviest, and how planned corridor upgrades could shape your daily routine. Let’s dive in.
US‑175 corridor at a glance
US‑175 is the main roadway that links Kaufman to the southeast side of the Dallas metro area. It runs northwest from Kaufman into Dallas, and you can connect from there into downtown or other job hubs using surface streets or freeways like I‑20 or I‑30. As you get closer to Dallas, the road shifts from lower speed rural segments to higher volume divided and controlled‑access sections.
Along the way, at‑grade intersections, traffic signals, and occasional railroad crossings can slow things down. Transition zones where the road shifts from two lanes to divided highway often create speed differences and clusters of vehicles. Freight and agricultural vehicles also use this corridor at times, which can affect pace on the two‑lane stretches.
How long the drive typically takes
Your total time depends on where you start in Kaufman and where you land in Dallas. Under free‑flow conditions, the Kaufman to southeast Dallas edge can run roughly 25 to 40 minutes for 20 to 30 miles. A trip from Kaufman into Downtown Dallas is roughly 30 to 40 miles and can take about 35 to 70 or more minutes.
These are planning ranges, not promises. Real times vary with time of day, construction, incidents, and your exact route into Dallas. Expect some day‑to‑day variability, especially on segments with signals and at‑grade crossings.
When congestion hits hardest
In the morning, most traffic is inbound toward Dallas. In the afternoon and evening, it reverses. On metro fringe corridors like US‑175, peak periods often stretch longer than the classic one to two hour windows. You may see slowdowns spread across extended morning and afternoon periods as commute times stagger.
Local conditions can add friction. School traffic near key intersections, busy retail areas around interchanges, and signal timing in towns along the route can create stop‑and‑go. Crash incidents on the corridor or on connecting highways like I‑20 or I‑30 can also ripple delays back onto US‑175.
Common causes of delay
You should plan for periodic slowdowns at at‑grade intersections and signalized crossings. Work zones and maintenance projects can produce lane closures with long queues, especially when paving or safety upgrades are underway. Trains can block lanes at some points where crossings are at grade, which is one reason agencies often propose grade separations.
Crashes anywhere along the corridor reduce reliability. Segments with more intersections and access points usually see greater travel time swings between free‑flow and peak hours. When an incident occurs, the impact can spike quickly, then clear just as quickly.
Route options and workarounds
The primary route from Kaufman is US‑175 toward Dallas. That will serve you well for southeast Dallas job centers and many downtown trips that connect via surface streets. If your destination sits along the I‑20 or I‑30 corridors, you can evaluate options that connect from US‑175 or use SH‑34 north from the Kaufman area to reach I‑20 or US‑80, depending on your end point.
For some commuters, a mixed approach can help. You can drive toward a Park & Ride or transit hub closer to Dallas, then ride transit for the last leg. Direct commuter rail or express bus service from Kaufman into Dallas is limited, so confirm details with regional transit providers before you rely on this strategy.
Real‑time navigation can make a real difference during peaks. Use live traffic tools and TxDOT’s alerts to check for crashes, work zones, and lane closures. If an incident pops up, consider alternate connectors or adjust your departure slightly.
What grade separations mean for you
A grade separation replaces an at‑grade intersection or railroad crossing with an overpass or underpass so traffic does not stop for signals or trains. For a corridor like US‑175, that usually means less delay at that location, better travel‑time reliability, and safety gains by reducing angle and vehicle‑train conflicts. When combined with access control, grade separations can also increase capacity and support higher posted speeds where appropriate.
During construction, expect lane closures, detours, and slower travel through work zones. Schedules can span multiple years based on complexity and funding. After completion, you typically experience smoother flow and more predictable trips along the upgraded segment.
Other corridor upgrades to expect
Grade separations often come packaged with additional improvements. You may see widening that converts two‑lane segments to four lanes or adds divided highway sections. Intersections can be reconfigured with dedicated turn lanes, signal upgrades, or roundabouts. Shoulders, drainage, pavement, and lighting also get attention.
Access management can reduce conflict points by consolidating driveways and adding frontage roads in busier stretches. Safety features such as rumble strips, guardrails, and improved signage are common. Major interchange reconstructions may appear where US‑175 meets higher‑order roads.
Short‑term pain, long‑term gain
In the short term, any construction can slow your commute. Work often happens in phases, and day or night schedules change impacts. Plan to leave extra time, watch for detours, and check alerts before you head out.
Over the medium and long run, these projects generally improve travel times and reliability. Your worst delays tend to ease as signals and crossings are separated or streamlined. Over time, better access can also encourage new homes and businesses along the corridor. That growth can add traffic back into the system, but the overall flow usually remains more stable than before.
Safety and reliability matter
Crash frequency and access patterns shape your daily consistency on the road. Where there are many intersections and crossings, you will often see wide swings between free‑flow and peak travel times. As grade separations and access management roll out, reliability typically improves.
For emergency response and freight, a more reliable corridor is important. Removing train blockages at crossings and reducing points of conflict can speed response and keep goods moving. Those same improvements help your commute feel more predictable.
If you work in downtown Dallas
Plan a departure schedule that avoids the heart of the morning rush when possible. Even a 30 to 45 minute shift can be meaningful on a fringe corridor. Test different paths into downtown using surface‑street connectors from US‑175 or transitions to I‑20 or I‑30 if they fit your route.
Try your commute at your typical hours before you make a final purchase decision. Drive it both directions on a school day and a weekend to understand the range. Keep an eye on any active work zones that could affect your timeline.
If you work in southeast Dallas or along I‑20
You may benefit most from the straightforward US‑175 run into southeast Dallas. For jobs that sit near I‑20, evaluate whether switching to I‑20 via connectors or using SH‑34 to reach an east‑west freeway shortens your route. Compare different arrival windows to find the most reliable slot.
Remember that local retail nodes can create friction near interchanges. If you can adjust your departure by a small window to avoid school release times or shift changes, do it. Consistency beats speed when you make this drive daily.
Hybrid and flexible schedules
If your employer offers hybrid or flexible work, use it to your advantage. Remote days cut your exposure to peak traffic altogether. On office days, target mid‑peak or shoulder times to smooth your trip.
You can also combine a later morning start with an earlier afternoon departure when your schedule allows. This strategy often reduces both your inbound and outbound stress. Over a week, those saved minutes add up.
Smart commuter tips
- Use real‑time navigation and subscribe to TxDOT traffic alerts for lane closures and incidents.
- Shift your departure by 30 to 45 minutes to avoid core peaks whenever possible.
- Keep a Plan B. Identify at least one alternate connector or detour for days with incidents.
- If you consider transit, verify current services and Park & Ride options before you rely on them.
- Coordinate carpool days or flexible work with your team to avoid the heaviest windows.
- Maintain your vehicle. Good tires, brakes, and wipers make construction zones and weather easier.
- Watch school calendars and local events that may affect traffic near interchanges.
- During construction phases, allow extra time and follow posted detours closely.
How upgrades may influence local growth
Improved access often supports more residential and commercial development along a corridor. In Kaufman and surrounding communities, that can translate to new neighborhoods and services over time. With growth, traffic demand can rise, which may partially offset initial travel‑time gains.
For you as a buyer or seller, access improvements and community growth can shape property demand. Think about your priorities. If you want a quieter setting, consider lots set back from major corridors. If convenience is the goal, proximity to key connectors can be a plus, keeping in mind that traffic and noise may be higher.
Who manages projects and where to check updates
Most corridor work on US‑175 is led by TxDOT’s Dallas District with coordination from Kaufman County, the City of Kaufman, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Funding can include state, regional, federal, or local sources, which affects timing and phasing. Public involvement phases offer previews of design and construction schedules.
For up‑to‑date details, check communications from TxDOT Dallas District, Kaufman County, and NCTCOG. Review safety reports and traveler information tools for live conditions. Local news and county meeting agendas are also helpful for construction notices and milestones.
Making your move with confidence
A Kaufman to Dallas commute can be manageable when you set expectations and use smart planning. US‑175 is your main connector, and travel times vary with daily conditions. As upgrades roll out, you can expect some construction slowdowns now and better reliability later.
If you want a home that fits your budget and supports your commute, you deserve clear guidance rooted in local experience. The team that lives and works where you plan to buy can help you weigh drive times against neighborhood options.
Ready to explore Kaufman and commute options?
You have choices, and the right plan makes all the difference. If you want help comparing neighborhoods, testing drive times, or timing a sale and purchase around construction phases, we’re here for you. Connect with The Cole Home Team to talk through your goals, or tap “Request a Free Home Valuation” to understand your equity if you’re selling.
FAQs
How long is the Kaufman to Dallas commute?
- Expect roughly 25 to 40 minutes to southeast Dallas under free‑flow conditions and about 35 to 70 or more minutes to Downtown Dallas, with variability based on time of day and incidents.
What causes most delays on US‑175 between Kaufman and Dallas?
- At‑grade intersections, signals, work zones, crashes, and occasional railroad crossings are common sources, with peaks inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon.
Are there alternatives to driving US‑175 the whole way?
- Depending on your destination, you can use connectors to I‑20 or I‑30 or take SH‑34 north to reach I‑20 or US‑80; some commuters also drive to a Park & Ride or transit hub closer to Dallas.
What are grade separations and why do they matter?
- A grade separation replaces a crossing or intersection with an overpass or underpass, which reduces delay and improves safety and travel‑time reliability along the corridor.
Will construction make traffic worse before it gets better?
- During construction phases, you can expect periodic lane closures, detours, and slower travel, followed by smoother flow and more predictable trips once projects are complete.
Is public transit from Kaufman into Dallas a realistic option?
- Direct commuter rail or express bus service from Kaufman is limited, so if you consider transit, plan on driving to a nearby hub and verify routes and schedules with regional providers.
