Ah the recession. Is it over, almost over, or not even close? That all depends on who you ask.
If you ask INRIX, a leading provider of traffic information, traffic congestion is on the rise. And as the economy improves, traffic congestion will get worse. Traffic congestion as an indicator of economic improvement? Well… why not?
INRIX tracked congestion across the country, and found that traffic bottomed out in March and April of 2009. This also happens to be right around when the stock market bottomed out. Seeing the pattern? The theory goes that when Americans have more money and feel financially stable, they do more driving. When the economy sucks though, they tend to stay off the roads. Too bad we can’t have a strong economy with less congestion. However, congestion is still one-third less than peak levels from 2007… so we still have a way to go yet.
INRIX also rated the top ten worst bottlenecks in America. The worst bottleneck in America was the Cross Bronx Expressway/I-95 Southbound at the Bronx River Parkway, where traffic congestion averages 94 hours per week with an average speed of about 11 mph. In fact, New York City had 5 of America’s worst bottlenecks, Chicago had three, LA had just one. But the biggest shock was local to me; the 1-91 Southbound entrance to I-95 in New Haven moved from number 62 all the way to number 6! Why? Well, they are finally replacing the narrow, old Q-Bridge… and all of that construction is causing a lot of confusion and congestion apparently.
I’ll keep that in mind next time I head down that way.
Stimulus funds for infrastructure improvement was also affecting congestion, especially during off-peak hours. Delays during off-peak hours were up 25%, which makes sense since most of the construction I’ve seen takes place between 6pm and 6am. According to INRIX, 2,500 miles of American roads are congested more than 5 hours a week. I never thought I’d like traffic… but if it means the economy is getting better, I think I can live with it.
Source: INRIX | Image: Texas DOT
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About Christopher DeMorro
I am betting it also correlates to unemployment.
I am betting it also correlates to unemployment.
Increases in traffic jams in inevitable. Population growth and more cars per household all contribute.
Increases in traffic jams in inevitable. Population growth and more cars per household all contribute.