The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released its 14th annual report identifying the Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks in the United States for 2025. This comprehensive analysis highlights the most congested freight chokepoints, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to enhance the efficiency of the national transportation network.
Top 10 Truck Bottlenecks of 2025
For the seventh consecutive year, the interchange of Interstate 95 and State Route 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, has been ranked as the most congested freight bottleneck in the country. The remaining top 10 bottlenecks are as follows:
- Chicago, Illinois: I-294 at I-290/I-88
- Houston, Texas: I-45 at I-69/US 59
- Atlanta, Georgia: I-285 at I-85 (North)
- Nashville, Tennessee: I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)
- Atlanta, Georgia: I-75 at I-285 (North)
- Los Angeles, California: SR 60 at SR 57
- Cincinnati, Ohio: I-71 at I-75
- Houston, Texas: I-10 at I-45
- Atlanta, Georgia: I-20 at I-285 (West
These rankings underscore the critical need for targeted infrastructure investments to alleviate congestion and improve freight mobility across these pivotal intersections.
Impact of Congestion on the Trucking Industry
ATRI's analysis reveals a concerning trend of worsening traffic conditions. Average rush hour truck speeds have declined by 3% from the previous year, now averaging 34.2 MPH. Among the top 10 bottlenecks, the average rush hour truck speed is even lower, at 29.7 MPH. These delays are not just a matter of time; they have significant economic and environmental implications. Trucks are estimated to burn an additional 6.4 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually due to congestion, leading to over 65 million metric tons of excess carbon emissions. Financially, this equates to $109 billion in increased transportation costs each year, expenses that ultimately impact consumers and the broader economy.
Case Study: Jane Byrne Interchange, Chicago
The report highlights the positive impact of infrastructure investment through the example of Chicago's Jane Byrne Interchange. Once ranked as the nation's top truck bottleneck for three consecutive years, the completion of construction projects at this interchange has led to a nearly 25% improvement in rush hour truck speeds. This case exemplifies how targeted infrastructure enhancements can effectively reduce congestion and improve freight mobility.
The Path Forward
As the federal government prepares to reauthorize surface transportation programs, ATRI's findings serve as a crucial guide for prioritizing infrastructure investments. Addressing these bottlenecks is essential for reducing supply chain inefficiencies, lowering emissions, and driving economic growth. Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, emphasizes the importance of this data, stating that it provides a "precise blueprint on where to begin" in tackling the nation's most critical congestion points.
In conclusion, ATRI's 2025 report on truck bottlenecks offers invaluable insights into the current state of freight congestion in the United States. By focusing on these identified chokepoints, policymakers and industry leaders can work collaboratively to implement solutions that enhance the efficiency and reliability of the nation's transportation infrastructure.
