ATRI Identifies the Worst Truck Bottlenecks in America for 2025
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has published its 14th annual Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks report, highlighting the most congested locations for freight movement across the country.
For the seventh consecutive year, the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Route 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, near the George Washington Bridge, holds the undesirable title of the most congested truck bottleneck in the United States.
As the trucking industry battles increasing congestion, ATRI’s study provides crucial data to help policymakers allocate infrastructure funds more effectively.
Targeted Infrastructure Investments Could Improve Freight Flow
With Congress preparing to reauthorize national surface transportation programs, ATRI emphasizes that its findings can guide lawmakers in directing resources toward the most problematic areas.
A prime example of successful infrastructure investment is Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange. Once ranked as the most congested truck bottleneck in the country for three consecutive years, the interchange saw a 25% improvement in truck speeds after a major construction project.
“Delays inflicted on truckers by congestion are the equivalent of 436,000 drivers sitting idle for an entire year,” said ATRI President and COO Rebecca Brewster. She added, “This data provides policymakers with a roadmap to reducing chokepoints, lowering emissions, and driving economic growth.”
The study underscores how strategic investments can significantly enhance freight mobility, reduce transportation costs, and benefit the economy.
The 2025 Top 10 Truck Bottlenecks
ATRI’s analysis ranks the worst bottlenecks based on extensive GPS data from commercial trucks, tracking congestion levels at more than 325 freight-critical locations.
The 2025 Top 10 worst truck bottlenecks include:
- Fort Lee, NJ – I-95 at SR 4
- Chicago, IL – I-294 at I-290/I-88
- Houston, TX – I-45 at I-69/US 59
- Atlanta, GA – I-285 at I-85 (North)
- Nashville, TN – I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)
- Atlanta, GA – I-75 at I-285 (North)
- Los Angeles, CA – SR 60 at SR 57
- Cincinnati, OH – I-71 at I-75
- Houston, TX – I-10 at I-45
- Atlanta, GA – I-20 at I-285 (West)
Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta dominate the top 10, reflecting ongoing congestion issues in major freight hubs.
Worsening Congestion, Higher Costs for Trucking
ATRI’s study found that traffic conditions continue to deteriorate due to increased freight movement and road work from infrastructure investments.
- Average rush hour truck speeds dropped 3% from 2024, reaching 34.2 MPH nationwide.
- At the top 10 bottlenecks, rush hour truck speeds averaged just 29.7 MPH.
- Congestion costs trucking $109 billion annually, increasing fuel consumption and transportation expenses.
- Trucks burn an estimated 6.4 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually while idling in traffic, producing 65 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
“These traffic bottlenecks not only choke our supply chains but add billions to transportation costs,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear.
What’s Next?
With the upcoming federal highway bill reauthorization, ATRI’s research provides a precise blueprint for prioritizing congestion relief projects.
The full ATRI 2025 Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks Report, including interactive animations and detailed congestion data, is available on ATRI’s website for industry stakeholders and policymakers.
Source:
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10235857/atri-releases-2025-top-100-truck-bottlenecks-list
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