Who Has The Nation's Worst Traffic?

Despite slow growth in jobs and travel, traffic congestion continues to worsen, costing Americans $63.1 billion a year.

1 minute read

May 10, 2005, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The 2005 Urban Mobility Report measures traffic congestion trends from 1982 to 2003, reflecting the most recent data available. If today’s higher fuel prices are factored in, the cost jumps another $1.7 billion.

The release of the annual study by the Texas Transportation Institute comes at a time when the U.S. Congress is considering legislation to re-authorize funding for transportation programs and projects across the nation.

The top five cities for the number of hours the average driver had in traffic delays:

  • Los Angeles: 93 hours
  • San Francisco: 72 hours
  • Washington, D.C., metropolitan area: 69 hours
  • Atlanta: 67 hours
  • Houston: 63 hours

    Thanks to Chris Steins

  • Tuesday, May 10, 2005 in Texas Transportation Institute

    portrait of professional woman

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

    Mary G., Urban Planner

    Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

    Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

    Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

    A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

    May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

    Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

    USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

    If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

    May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

    Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

    Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

    The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

    April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

    Mobile home park at dusk.

    Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk

    Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

    7 hours ago - Next City

    Complete Streets

    How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’

    The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

    May 11 - Transportation for America

    Historic Dairy Queen restaurant building with neon signs at night.

    Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places

    Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.

    May 11 - The Daily Yonder

    Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

    This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

    Planning for Universal Design

    Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.