During the weekend it's not bad at all. In the morning during the week you should avoid the high school commute rush down OSCH. On the lower part of OSCH its pretty much over by 7:45 or so (school starts at 8). The loop around Lexington does not have that problem, its got comparatively little traffic.
Soda springs is a fun climb but not the greatest descent. Lots of blind turns and the locals tend to drive as though nothing will be coming the other way. Montevina (the other side of 17) does not have quite so much of that. A lot of the local people there wave at me (with all their fingers, not just the one) when I ride it. The view is better from Montevina as well. They are both around 8% with some slightly steeper pitches.
If you are riding around Lexington and want a little more you can ride up to Aldercroft Heights and beyond.