A new report says driving on congested roads in Philadelphia costs area commuters billions each year depending on which route you travel.
In a report released Thursday, TRIP, a national transportation group, identified 13 of the most expensive congested corridors in the region in terms of lost time and wasted fuel. The report calculated the yearly and weekly costs per driver at a total of $3.4 billion each year - as much as $2,300 per driver.
TRIP calculated each route’s traffic congestion delay based on data provided by PennDOT using the average time it takes to travel each corridor during peak hours and during non-congested periods.
To estimate the amount of time and fuel lost annually, TRIP compared travel times during rush hour and non-congested periods. In total, traffic congestion on these roads results in the use of an additional 76 million gallons of fuel and the loss of 156 million hours annually.
“Congested roadways limit opportunities for employment, economic growth, education, recreation and social opportunities. Relieving congestion will require increased transportation funding and a comprehensive approach that includes expanding the capacity of the state’s transportation system, improving the efficiency of the existing system and offering alternatives for some peak-hour trips,” said Will Wilkins, executive director of TRIP.
TRIP: Philly’s Most Expensive Commutes
1. I-676 from I-95 to I-76. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 125 hours, 54 additional gallons of gas, and $2,301 annually or $44 weekly.
2. PA 611 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to I-95. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 125 hours, 54 additional gallons of gas, and $2,301 annually or $44 weekly.
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3. US 422 from US 202 to North of Egypt Road. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 67 hours, 29 additional gallons of gas, and $1,227 annually or $24 weekly.
4. I-76 from I-676 to Belmont Ave. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 58 hours, 25 additional gallons of gas, and $1,074 annually or $21 weekly.
5. I-95 from Betsy Ross Bridge—Aramingo Ave. to I-676-Spring Garden St. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 58 hours, 25 additional gallons of gas, and $1,074 annually or $21 weekly.
6. US 202 from Swedesford Road to PA 401. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 58 hours, 25 additional gallons of gas, and $1,074 annually or $21 weekly.
7. US 1 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) to I-76. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 58 hours, 25 additional gallons of gas, and $1,074 annually or 21 hours weekly
8. I-76 from Hollow Road to Matsonford Road (West side of I-476 interchange). This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 50 hours, 21 additional gallons of gas, and $921 annually or $18 weekly.
9. I-76 from Matsonford Road to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 50 hours, 21 additional gallons of gas, and $921 annually or $18 weekly.
10. I-95 from Stewart Ave., to the Delaware state line and portions of I-476 leading to the interchange with I-95. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 50 hours, 21 additional gallons of gas, and $921 annually or $18 weekly.
11. I-476 from US 30 to Baltimore Pike. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 42 hours, 18 additional gallons of gas, and $767 annually or $15 weekly.
12. US 202 from US 322 to PA 491. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 42 hours, 18 additional gallons of gas, and $767 annually or $15 weekly.
13. US 322 from US 1 to I-95. This congested corridor costs rush hour drivers 38 hours, 16 additional gallons of gas, and $690 annually or $13 weekly.
