A new study has just revealed the most congested highways in the United States. Although Los Angeles, California was the record holder for six of the top ten congested highways, Chicago Illinois came in at number one.
According to the study found on Highways.org, U.S. highways are ranked from the most to least congested. Their corresponding wait length, total annual delay, lost value of time, and annual fuels wasted are also examined.
The study was released by the American Highway Users Alliance, a nonprofit group advocating for increased interstate highway funding. To assure accuracy, the study examined stretches of highway that continually face congestion, not just those busy with traffic during peak times.
1. Chicago, Illinois – I90 between Roosevelt Rd and N Nagle Ave
Coming in 1st place is Chicago traffic. On this highway, the average wait length is 12 miles, the total annual delay is 16,900,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $418,000,000, and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 6,370,000 gallons.
2. Los Angeles, California – I405 between SR22 and I605
Los Angeles not only came in 2nd place for worst traffic, but the city also holds the record for 3rd through 7th place. On this highway, the average wait length is 4.1 miles, the total annual delay is 7,100,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $191,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,819,480 gallons.
3. Los Angeles, California – I10 between Santa Fe Ave and Crenshaw Blvd
On this Los Angeles highway, the average wait length is 6.9 miles, the total annual delay is 6,900,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $187,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 2,231,840 gallons.
4. Los Angeles, California – I405 between Venice Blvd and Wilshire Blvd
The average wait length is 5.2 miles, the total annual delay is 6,300,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $169,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,961,960.
5. Los Angeles, California – US101 between Franklin Ave and Glendale Blvd
The average wait length is 4.4 miles, the total annual delay is 5,400,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $146,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,761,500 gallons.
6. Los Angeles, California – I110 between Exposition Blvd and Stadium Way
The average wait length is 4.3 miles, the total annual delay is 5,400,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $145,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,855,880 gallons.
7. Los Angeles, California – US101 between Sepulveda Blvd and Laurel Canyon Blvd
The average wait length is 3.8 miles, the total annual delay is 3,600,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $96,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,047,800 gallons.
8. New York and New Jersey – Lincoln Tunnel between 10th Ave and John F Kennedy Blvd
In New York/ New Jersey, traffic came in 8th place. On this highway, the average wait length is 2.6 miles, the total annual delay is 3,4000,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $87,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,730,300 gallons.
9. New York, New York – I95 between I895 and Broadway
New York came in 9th place. This highway’s average wait length is 3.1 miles, the total annual delay is 3,000,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $82,000,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,545,700 gallons.
10. Austin, Texas – I35 between East Riverside Dr and E Dean Keeton St
Finally, Austin came in 10th place. This highway’s average wait length is 3 miles, the total annual delay is 3,000,000 hours, the annual lost value of time is $73,000 and the annual fuel wasted/potential savings is 1,776,320 gallons.