Chicago is the 6th most congested city in the United States!
Chicagoans spend over three-and-a-half days a year stuck in rush-hour traffic, which is somehow still an overall improvement.
Why it matters: Traffic may be returning, but the pandemic may have shifted when we drive.
By the numbers: According to data from the TomTom traffic index, Chicago drivers spent 86 hours in rush-hour traffic in 2021 compared to 115 hours in 2019.
- There was a 14% decrease in morning rush-hour congestion, and a 12% decrease in the evenings in 2021 compared to 2019.
Yes, but: Even though rush-hour traffic is declining, the overall time spent on the roadways is going up.
- Chicago had a 24% congestion level in 2021, which means that travel times on average were 24% longer than during non-congested conditions.
Apparently the worst time to travel is 4pm on Fridays! Get more below!