If you’ve ever messaged your boss ‘running late, traffic is insane’… you’re not alone. Commuting in the ATL is definitely a job in itself. And now, according to a new report by WheelsAway, Atlanta ranks as the #1 worst city in the entire United States for commuters. Keep scrolling to learn more.
The worst city for commuters
Atlanta ranks as the #1 worst city for commuters, based off of multiple criteria, including:
- average (one-way) commute time
- estimated annual round trip commute time
- extra travel time due to congestion
- congestion hours lost per driver
- estimated value of time lost per driver (in dollars)
- EPA good-air days
- monthly traffic related searches per 100,000 residents
And, of course, an overall traffic congestion score.
The runner up city, Houston, comes in second by a LOT. Atlanta as an over-10 point lead on Houston… and that’s not a good thing.
Atlanta’s overall traffic congestion score is a whopping 89.9/100, while Houston finishes with a 79.2/100.
According to the study,
Further reports show that journeys take 44.3% longer than they would under free-flowing conditions. It also estimates that Atlanta drivers lose 61 hours during rush hour each year, with Atlanta drivers losing 75 hours to congestion, such as road work, annually, with the lost time valued at approximately $1,381 per driver. This represents 26 more hours and $487 more than the respective national figures, an increase of more than 50%.
Labor Day traffic
Atlanta is a top destination for vacationers on Labor Day Weekend, with all of our many weekend happenings! And while having so much going on is really fun for ATLiens and visitors alike… the traffic definitely won’t be.
Here’s when you should avoid being on the roads, or at least prepare yourself for traffic:
- According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Motorists should be advised of potential heavy traffic on Friday, September 4, from 12-8 p.m., and Saturday, September 5, from 12-6 p.m. on Metro ATL Interstates
- Heavy to normal traffic is expected to begin in the early afternoon on Wednesday, September 2, through Friday, September 4th on surface streets.
To help alleviate some congestion and traffic, GDOT has suspended all lane closures for the weekend.
GDOT states,
The suspension of lane closures will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, through 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, to offset the influence of holiday traffic and to reduce delays and increase safety for motorists.
For the full Labor Day traffic forecast from GDOT, head to their report, here.
Are we surprised? No. Are we going to make sure we leave with enough time to account for traffic this weekend… and before work? Well… we’ll see. 😉