New study shows Dallas is fifth most congested city in the U.S.

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — A mid-year INRIX National Traffic Scorecard special report found Dallas to be the fifth most congested market in the country, moving down in the rankings from last year when it was ranked at No. 4. Traffic did increase by 3% in the Dallas area in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, however when compared to the rest of the nation, the city’s overall congestion was not as significant as other markets, and therefore its ranking dropped.

Photo not provided by INRIX

Dallas once again beat Houston, who came in pathetically at #6.

Further analysis by INRIX showed that Westbound on the Loop 820 approaching Rufe Snow Dr/Exit 20 was the worst bottleneck for the city and Fridays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. was the most congested time for commuting.

The report also found that traffic congestion nationwide decreased over the past 18 months, hitting bottom in the second quarter of 2009, and roadways are starting to jam up again.

Top 10 most congested cities:

1. Los Angeles, Calif.

2. New York, N.Y.

3. Chicago, Ill.

4. Washington, D.C.

5. Dallas, Texas

6. Houston, Texas

7. San Francisco, Calif.

8. Boston, Mass.

9. Seattle, Wash.

10. Philadelphia, Pa.

Source: INRIX