5 Most Congested Highways in America

In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 most congested highways in America. If you wish to see our detailed analysis, you can go to 20 Most Congested Highways in America.

5. Houston, TX: I-45 at I-69/US 59

Peak Average Speed: 21.7 Miles Per Hour

Non-peak Average Speed: 35.8 Miles Per Hour

In Houston, I-45 is a major highway that goes through the city and ranks as one of the 20 most congested highways in America. The average speed during peak hours was recorded at 21.7 miles per hour in 2022. This speed decreased by 11% from 2021 to 2022. Interstate 45 (I-45) at I-69/US 59 has heavy congestion.

4. Chicago, IL: I-90 at I-94 (North)

Peak Average Speed: 20.7 Miles Per Hour

Non-peak Average Speed: 39.4 Miles Per Hour

Interstate 90 (I-90) in Chicago, Illinois, is a north-south Interstate Highway. The peak average speed on I-90 decreased by 21.8% from 2021 to 2022 thereby making the highway one of the most congested in America. The peak average speed on the highway was recorded at 20.7 miles per hour. Interstate 90 (I-90) at Interstate 94 (I-94) is a highly congested interchange.

3. Fort Lee, NJ: I-95 at SR 4

Peak Average Speed: 20.2 Miles Per Hour

Non-peak Average Speed: 29.5 Miles Per Hour

Interstate 95 (I-95) is a major Interstate Highway that spans the eastern part of the United States. It is one of the worst congested highways in the US since the average speed during peak hours gets reduced to 20.2 miles per hour. This speed went down by 9.9% from 2021 to 2022.

2. Chicago, IL: I-290 at I-90/I-94

Peak Average Speed: 18.2 Miles Per Hour  

Non-peak Average Speed: 25.3 Miles Per Hour

Interstate 290 (I-290) is another auxiliary Interstate Highway that runs westward from the Jane Byrne Interchange near the Chicago Loop. The Circle Interchange in Chicago is deemed one of the most congested intersections in the US. The peak average speed on the highway was recorded at 18.2 miles per hour which is relatively low.

1. Queens, NY: I-495

Peak Average Speed:  15.4 Miles Per Hour

Non-peak Average Speed: 30.6 Miles Per Hour

Interstate 495 (I-495) is an auxiliary Interstate Highway in the state of New York. It comprises the Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Long Island Expressway. It is one of the most congested highways in America since the average speed during peak hours is only 15.4 miles per hour. The peak average speed has also decreased by 10.5% between 2021 and 2022.

You can also take a look at 30 Most Interesting Cities in America and 30 Most Fertile Countries in the World Heading into 2024.