The 50 Worst Traffic Bottlenecks in the United States

This list of the worst places for traffic congestion in the country might cause some rubbernecking of its own.

1 minute read

November 24, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


405 Traffic

Bart Everett / Shutterstock

"There aren’t enough roads, transit systems and walkable communities to handle America’s burgeoning population, one projected to grow by 70 million in the next 30 years," writes Ashley Halsey III. That's the conclusion offered by a new report on the nation's 50 worst bottlenecks, paid for by the American Highway Users Alliance.

The worst bottleneck in the land: "Interstate 90 in Chicago, where 12-mile backups are said to be common." But if you're looking for a more thorough ignominy, look no further than Los Angeles, which took the next six spots on the list, and nine out of the "top" 20.

More than just providing an account of where Americans suffer, the report also quantifies the deleterious effects of all that congestion, such as in lost time, burnt fuel, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicle crashes. 

Monday, November 23, 2015 in The Washington Post

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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight