Atlanta Traffic Congestion Bad... But Not All Bad

By Odette Yousef

Atlanta, GA – In 2005, the average metro Atlantan spent 60 hours stuck in traffic. But a new report about traffic congestion shows that Atlanta drivers are better off than commuters in many other urban areas.

The report from the Texas Transportation Institute says that a trip in metro Atlanta takes drivers 34% longer to complete than it would in congestion-free conditions. That may sound like a lot, but other major urban areas fare worse. For example, it takes LA drivers 50% longer to complete a trip with congestion.

Jane Hayse, Chief of Transportation Planning at the Atlanta Regional Commission, says congestion is exacting less of a toll on Atlantans because planners have figured out how relieve some of the traffic problems:

HAYSE: We've put a lot of effort into what we call getting the biggest bang for the buck in terms of operational improvements: the ramp metering, the variable message signs, the HERO Units.

But Hayse says that ultimately the Atlanta area needs new infrastructure transit, roadways, HOV lanes to make a big dent in congestion.
She says that for years, inadequate funding has kept any major projects from being built.