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The Congestion Con proves with data that one more expensive freeway lane most certainly will not solve congestion, and perhaps congestion is the wrong thing to be trying to solve in the first place.

“Expanding roads to reduce congestion isn’t working, and in many cases it is creating more traffic. We cannot afford to keep trying the same expensive and ineffective ‘solution.'”
– The Congestion Con

This story has played out time and time again all across America and we have the receipts. In a new report we examine nearly three decades of freeway, congestion, and population data in the 100 most populous urbanized areas and reach one indisputable conclusion: Widening highways to eliminate congestion is an exercise in futility.

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Every single urbanized area—from Brownsville, TX to Spokane, WA—saw an increase in travel delays (the measure for congestion in the report) between 1993 and 2017. In many areas like Charlotte, NC the population more than doubled during that time, but freeway lane miles more than tripled, and congestion rose by 326 percent. In some places like New Orleans and Detroit, population decreased while freeway lanes grew and congestion still got worse.

The Congestion Con to learn more about the problem and see all of the recommendations that will help the U.S. realize a more efficient transportation system. Then join the conversation online using #CongestionCon.