Site visitors congestion hits document excessive, however journey patterns are altering, report finds – Texas A&M Tales

Americans spent extra time caught in visitors in 2024 than ever earlier than, in keeping with the newly launched 2025 Urban Mobility Report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). But whereas congestion is again, it’s not fairly the identical because it was once.

The report, which analyzes journey information from 494 U.S. city areas, reveals that commuters misplaced a mean of 63 hours to visitors delays final 12 months — the very best stage ever recorded. That’s the equal of almost eight full workdays per particular person, with nationwide congestion prices now totaling $269 billion yearly.

Yet the research additionally reveals when and the place congestion is shifting. Traditional rush hours are now not the one bother spots. Midday, midweek and even weekend journey instances are more and more affected, a development researchers attribute to hybrid work schedules, on-line procuring and different way of life modifications.

“The numbers show more traffic delays than we’ve ever seen, but also different traffic patterns,” mentioned Dr. David Schrank, TTI senior analysis scientist and lead writer of the research. “We’re seeing congestion spread out across more hours of the day and more days of the week. That can make it harder for people to plan their trips.”

The report additionally highlights a 19% improve in truck congestion since 2019, in comparison with a ten% rise for all autos. Freight networks are feeling the pressure of rising supply volumes, particularly in fast-growing metro areas.

In response to those challenges, the 2025 report introduces a brand new analytical lens: noticed entry. By analyzing the place journeys start and finish, researchers hope to assist communities higher perceive mobility gaps and goal enhancements extra successfully.

The report emphasizes that whereas congestion is a persistent downside, strategic planning, smarter infrastructure investments and versatile journey choices may also help mitigate its influence.

“We’re not going to build our way out of congestion entirely,” Schrank mentioned. “Construction and some added roadway capacity is still necessary, but we can make smarter choices — from better traffic management to encouraging off-peak travel — that make the system work better for everyone.”The full 2025 Urban Mobility Report is available here.