U.S. Traffic Congestion Will Double By 2020

U.S. News and World Report takes an in-depth look at traffic and concludes that fundamental change is needed.

1 minute read

May 21, 2001, 8:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Congestion costs Americans $78 billion a year in wasted fuel and lost time?up 39 percent since 1990. In Houston, traffic jams cost commuters on the Southwest Freeway and West Loop 610 an average $954 a year in wasted fuel and time. In New Jersey's Somerset County, congestion costs the average licensed driver $2,110 a year. Truckers?and the businesses that depend on them?say clogged roads are choking off economic growth and reducing the nation's competitiveness. Commercial truck travel increased by 37 percent during the 1990s. By 2020, it's expected to double in most parts of the country."

Thanks to Aaron Schuette

Monday, May 28, 2001 in U.S. News And World Report

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