Study: Portlanders Spend Nearly Two Days in Traffic, City Ranks 25th in U.S. for Gridlock
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) - A recent study reveals that Portlanders are spending an alarming amount of time in traffic, with the city ranking 25th in the U.S. for gridlock. Inrix, a leading traffic analytics company, has released its '2025 Traffic Scorecard', shedding light on the daily struggles of commuters.
The findings are eye-opening: on average, Portland drivers lose nearly two days annually to traffic delays. This year, the average driver spent a staggering 41 hours stuck behind the wheel, a two-hour increase from 2024. The worst-hit corridor was the eastbound stretch of Highway 26, from the Highway 217 interchange through the Vista Ridge tunnels.
The financial burden of traffic is significant. Inrix estimates that the average driver incurs an annual cost of approximately $755 due to traffic-related expenses, including gas, car maintenance, and tolls. This highlights the economic impact of traffic congestion on Portland's residents.
The study also provides a global perspective, ranking Portland 113th for worst congestion worldwide. Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Boston top the list of worst cities for traffic delays in the U.S., with Seattle ranking tenth. This data underscores the widespread issue of traffic congestion and its impact on daily life across the nation.
