Worst Traffic Bottlenecks in the US: ATRI's Latest Report

ATRI’s 2025 Traffic Bottleneck Report Highlights Freight Congestion Challenges

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released its latest report on truck traffic bottlenecks in the United States. This annual report identifies the most congested areas for freight movement. The findings can help policymakers and industry leaders decide where to invest in infrastructure.

For the seventh year in a row, the intersection of I-95 and SR 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, near the George Washington Bridge, is ranked as the most congested freight bottleneck in the country. This location continues to cause major delays for truck drivers in the Northeast. Traffic congestion here impacts freight movement and supply chain efficiency.

Top 10 Freight Traffic Bottlenecks in 2025

The report ranks the worst bottlenecks for trucks in the country. The top 10 locations are:

1. Fort Lee, NJ – I-95 at SR 4
2. Chicago, IL – I-294 at I-290/I-88
3. Houston, TX – I-45 at I-69/US 59
4. Atlanta, GA – I-285 at I-85 (North)
5. Nashville, TN – I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)
6. Atlanta, GA – I-75 at I-285 (North)
7. Los Angeles, CA – SR 60 at SR 57
8. Cincinnati, OH – I-71 at I-75
9. Houston, TX – I-10 at I-45
10. Atlanta, GA – I-20 at I-285 (West)

These locations remain some of the worst for truck congestion. Atlanta appears three times in the top 10, showing how traffic delays impact the region. Houston also has two major bottlenecks. These areas see heavy truck traffic, making congestion a frequent challenge.

Why Freight Congestion Data Matters

Since 2002, ATRI has collected and studied truck GPS data to track congestion. The goal is to provide insights on how delays affect freight movement. These findings can help officials and industry leaders make informed decisions.

The study looks at over 325 locations nationwide. It uses a system that measures speed and traffic volume to track congestion’s impact on trucks. By understanding where bottlenecks occur, transportation planners can focus on the most critical areas for improvement.

Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange: A Case Study

The report highlights how infrastructure investments can reduce congestion. Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange, once ranked as the worst truck bottleneck in the country, has improved. After construction, rush hour truck speeds increased by nearly 25 percent.

This shows that targeted infrastructure projects can make a real difference. The changes in Chicago may serve as a model for improving congestion in other high-traffic locations.

As Congress considers reauthorizing the nation’s surface transportation programs, ATRI’s findings could provide useful insights. Investing in the worst bottlenecks may improve supply chain efficiency. It could also reduce economic losses caused by shipping delays.

Using Traffic Bottleneck Data for Transportation Planning

ATRI’s annual bottleneck report can be a useful tool for policymakers and industry leaders. Tracking congestion over time allows for benchmarking, performance analysis, and better planning. Addressing key freight corridors could lead to smoother truck movement and fewer supply chain disruptions.

As freight demand continues to rise, identifying and fixing bottlenecks may become even more important. The improvements seen at the Jane Byrne Interchange suggest that investing in infrastructure can reduce congestion. Similar projects could help trucking companies and supply chains operate more efficiently.

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