A new analysis of 30 freight bottlenecks assesses the severity of 30 freight bottlenecks within the U.S. interstate system, using unique analysis methods and data to produce a severity ranking for each location.

This research by the American Transportation Research Institute dovetails with the ongoing Freight Performance Measures initiative sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and managed by ATRI.

The ATRI analysis of 30 national bottlenecks prioritizes chokepoints on the highway system previously identified by the research community. ATRI researchers used GIS/GPS technology and truck-specific information, as well as sophisticated analysis techniques, to determine what time of day freight was affected by traffic congestion and where the results of such congestion were the most severe.

According to the ATRI analysis, using a "total freight congestion value," the biggest bottleneck on the list is the I-80 @ I-94 split in Chicago, which was fifth on the original list. The second worst was the I-95 @ SR-4 intersection in Bergen, N.J. Third was the I-90 @ I-94 Interchange (Edens Interchange), Chicago.

CORRECTION: We originally reported, incorrectly, that the I-710 and I-105 interchange in Los Angeles is the worst trucking bottleneck in the country. That and the other top bottlenecks we previously reported on Truckinginfo.com were the original list of worst freight bottlenecks, NOT ATRI's revised list. We regret the error.

"ATRI's report provides the first real-world analysis of the congestion that motor carriers experience every day," said Tim Lynch, legislative affairs senior vice president for the American Trucking Associations. "ATRI's ranking of freight bottlenecks fills a critical void in our arsenal of tools for identifying, prioritizing and addressing freight system deficiencies for the next surface transportation reauthorization."

A copy of the full report can be ordered from ATRI through its website by clicking here.



Highways: Related News

9/2/2010 - Interstate 45 Lands at Top of Texas' List of Most Congested Roads
Interstate 45 in Harris County, Texas, from SL-8 North to I-610, is the most congested roadway segment in the state, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.... More >

9/1/2010 - Hurricane Earl East Coast Evacuation Could Affect Outbound Routes
As a Category 4 hurricane heads for North Carolina and up to New England, federal officials warn residents in these areas to prepare for evacuation... More >

8/31/2010 - Increased Investment in Rural Transportation System Key to Keeping Freight Moving
The government needs to invest more in America's rural transportation system to keep agriculture, new energy products and freight moving, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' newest study... More >

8/27/2010 - DOT Provides Emergency Funding to Aid in Iowa Flood Damage
The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $1 million in quick release emergency funds immediately available to the Iowa Department of Transportation to begin repairs to roads and bridges damaged by continuous flooding that began on June 1.... More >

8/27/2010 - Colorado Eyes Reversible Lane on I-70
The Colorado Department of Transportation has released the results of the first phase Feasibility Study, which found that a reversible lane on Interstate 70 in the mountains is geometrically feasible and if implemented in the eastbound direction, could reduce travel time by about half in this direction.... More >

8/19/2010 - New York DOT Takes Action on Truck Traffic in Finger Lakes
The New York State Department of Transportation has taken actions to reduce the number of large, oversized and overweight trucks traveling through the Finger Lakes area... More >

8/13/2010 - Smarter Highways Launched on I-5 in Seattle
Washington State this week went live with Smarter Highways on I-5, a high-tech traffic management system that provides drivers real-time traffic information on lane conditions.... More >

8/12/2010 - Iowa Highways Continue to Be Affected by Flooding
I-35 near Ames, Iowa, has reopened following its closure due to flooding, but a section of I-80 east of Des Moines, in the Colefax area, MM155-159, might have to be closed as soon as midnight due to expected flooding.... More >

8/12/2010 - DOT Announces Marine Highway Projects
Just four months after unveiling the America's Marine Highway Program, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced his selection of marine highway corridors and an initial eight projects and six initiatives along the corridors that will be eligible for federal assistance under the program.... More >

8/11/2010 - Flooding Closes I-35, Other Major Iowa Roadways
Interstate 35 near Ames, Iowa, and several other state highways are closed due to flooding, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.... More >

8/11/2010 - TxDOT Debuts New Travel Information Line
The Texas Department of Transportation launched a new interactive voice response interface for the Texas Travel Information Line, which provides both road conditions and travel information at 1-800-452-9292.... More >

8/6/2010 - Donor Model of Highway Funding: On Its Way Out?
From 2005 to 2008, almost every state got back all, if not more, of what they contributed to the federal Highway Trust Fund... More >

8/4/2010 - New Study Calls For Change in Highway Funding Program
The U.S. would have an additional $10 billion a year to improve our nation's highway system if the government stopped diverting federal gas tax funds to such projects as ferryboats, trails and mass transit... More >