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

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

People bike and ride in carriages around Central Park's loop.

Central Park has seen three deadly crashes since June. It banned cars 8 years ago.

100,000 bikers, pedestrians and horseback riders compete for space on the loop daily, sometimes resulting in deadly collisions.

3 seconds ago - Gothamist

People in SF relax under the shade of a tree

SF residents can no longer use potential shadows to block housing developments

The SHADE act also halves the allotted time for certain appeals before projects can progress.

1 hour ago - Mission Local

The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner and President Donald Trump at a press conference.

HUD, USDA agree on framework to simplify housing environmental review standards

Their agreement is a requirement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

October 7 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.