Traffic congestion hits a record high, spreading to more hours of the week

Rush-hour traffic on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles in March 2022. After dropping during the COVID-19 pandemic, congestion levels reached a record high last year, researchers say.

If it seems like traffic is getting worse where you live, that's because it probably is. After dropping during the COVID-19 pandemic, congestion climbed to record levels in 2024, researchers say.

(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon)