Building Roads to Reduce Traffic Congestion in America’s Cities: HowMuch and at What Cost?

Abstract

This report utilizes estimates from sophisticated traffic assignment methods and national congestion statistics to review current trends in traffic congestion. The report predicts how much traffic congestion there will be after the completion of present transportation plans. It calculates the cost and number of additional lane-miles needed to eliminate heavy traffic congestion. It then compares these costs with the costs of planned transportation improvements. Results are provided in detail for every state and for each of 403 urbanized areas. The report focuses on the highway capacity side of traffic congestion relief. It explores what a targeted nationwide effort to address severe traffic congestion through expansion of highway capacity might cost.