The average person in Chicago spends nearly two and a half days each year stuck in traffic, which is the second-worst congestion in the nation. The average commuter here loses about $1,500 annually due to lost productivity, wasted time and fuel, and increased vehicle maintenance costs.
If you live in or around Chicago, you know that traffic can be a nightmare. The good news is, it could be worse! According to a recent study by INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, Chicago ranks as the 16th most congested city in the world when it comes to traffic.
That may not sound great, but when you compare us to other major cities like Los Angeles (ranked 1st), New York (ranked 2nd), and San Francisco (ranked 9th), it’s not so bad.
So what causes all this congestion? For one, we have a lot of people living and working in the city.
According to the most recent Census data, there are over 2.7 million people living in Chicago. And with more people comes more cars on the road. In fact, there are an estimated 1.5 million vehicles registered in Cook County alone.
Another factor is our geography. Chicago is built on a grid system which can make navigation pretty straightforward. However, it also means that there are a lot of intersections which can create bottlenecks during rush hour traffic.
Plus, we have two major airports (O’Hare and Midway) that add even more cars to our already busy streets.
So what can be done about all this traffic? Well, for starters, we can try to avoid peak travel times if possible .
That means leaving for work or heading home from errands earlier or later than everyone else on the road . If everyone did this , it would help to ease some of the congestion . We can also take public transportation whenever possible .
The ‘L’ and Metra are great options for getting around town without having to deal with traffic .
Why is Traffic So Bad in Chicago Today
If you’re one of the many people stuck in traffic in Chicago today, you’re probably wondering why. There are a few reasons for the gridlock. First, there’s construction on many of the city’s expressways.
This is particularly true on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), where two lanes are closed for repairs. Second, there’s an increased police presence on the roads due to Memorial Day weekend. Finally, there’s bad weather – it’s been raining off and on all day, which has made driving conditions more difficult.
All of these factors have come together to create a perfect storm of traffic congestion. Hopefully things will start to clear up soon!
Credit: www.wbez.org
How Bad is Chicago Rush Hour Traffic?
If you’re looking to avoid traffic in Chicago, you should definitely plan to avoid the morning and evening rush hours. Traffic during these times can be very heavy, and it’s not uncommon for there to be significant delays. Even if you’re just trying to get around the city during rush hour, it’s best to give yourself extra time so that you don’t end up stuck in traffic.
How Bad is Driving in Chicago?
Driving in Chicago can be difficult, especially during rush hour. The streets are crowded and there is a lot of traffic. However, if you know where you are going and plan your route ahead of time, it is not too bad.
Just be prepared for some stop-and-go traffic and allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Is Traffic Always Bad in Chicago?
No, traffic is not always bad in Chicago. In fact, according to a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute, Chicago has the sixth-best urban highway system in the United States. However, that doesn’t mean that traffic isn’t a problem in the Windy City.
According to INRIX, a global leader in transportation analytics and connected car services, Chicago had the seventh-worst traffic congestion of any city in the world in 2018.
What Time is Chicago Traffic the Worst?
There is no definitive answer to this question as traffic conditions in Chicago can vary greatly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and even the season. However, there are some general patterns that can be observed. For example, weekday rush hour traffic is typically heavier than at other times during the day.
Additionally, traffic is often worse in the downtown area and along major highways during peak travel times.
If you’re trying to avoid heavy traffic, it’s generally best to avoid travel during weekday rush hours (7-9am and 4-6pm). However, keep in mind that conditions can still be congested at other times – particularly on Mondays and Fridays, when many people are commuting to or from work.
If you must travel during these times, allow extra time for your journey and consider using alternate routes where possible.
Chicago traffic is worst in North America, study finds
Conclusion
Chicago traffic is notorious for being congested and frustrating. A recent study by Inrix, a global traffic data and analytics company, ranks Chicago as the seventh most congested city in the United States. The study found that Chicago drivers spend an average of 41 hours per year stuck in traffic, which costs each driver about $1,445 in lost time and fuel.
While Chicago’s traffic may not be the worst in the country, it is still a major source of frustration for many drivers. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to avoid wasting time sitting in traffic. For example, Inrix recommends avoiding travel during peak hours whenever possible.
You can also use real-time traffic information to plan your route and find the quickest way to your destination.