ATRI Annual Report: I-294 and I-290/I-88 Interchange in Chicago's Western Suburbs Becomes the Most Severe Truck Congestion Bottleneck in the U.S.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its 2026 list of the top 100 truck bottlenecks, with the I-294 and I-290/I-88 interchange in Chicago's western suburbs ranking first for the first time, replacing last year's I-95 and New Jersey Route 4 interchange. This interchange handles over 300,000 vehicles daily and is currently undergoing an $800 million reconstruction, expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The Atlanta metropolitan area has four locations in the top ten.
Key Takeaways
- According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)annual report, the interchange of I-294 with I-290/I-88 in Chicago's western suburbs was ranked as the worst truck congestion bottleneck in the United States.
- According to the Illinois Tollway Authority, the interchange sees over 300,000 vehicles daily and is currently in the sixth year of a massive reconstruction project scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. The $800 million project is expected to ease congestion and improve road safety.
- ATRI noted that road construction is one of the factors contributing to traffic congestion. Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), said in astatementthat the people least surprised by the ranking of Chicago-area highways are "the truck drivers and commuters who endure endless delays at this terrible interchange."
Top 10 Truck Bottlenecks in the U.S.
| Highway Interchange | City and State | Average Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. I-294 at I-290/I-88 | Chicago, Illinois | 39.5 |
| 2. I-95 at SR 4 | Fort Lee, New Jersey | 28.2 |
| 3. I-285 at I-85 (North) | Atlanta, Georgia | 35.0 |
| 4. I-45 at I-69/US 59 | Houston, Texas | 29.2 |
| 5. I-75 at I-285 (North) | Atlanta, Georgia | 39.1 |
| 6. I-20 at I-285 (West) | Atlanta, Georgia | 40.4 |
| 7. I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East) | Nashville, Tennessee | 36.8 |
| 8. I-10 at I-69/US 59 | Houston, Texas | 34.3 |
| 9. I-71 at I-75 | Cincinnati, Ohio | 42.5 |
| 10. I-75 | McDonough, Georgia | 46.2 |
Data Source:ATRI
In-Depth Analysis
ATRI has studied the most congested freight areas in the U.S. for nearly 25 years. The institute analyzes truck GPS data to support the U.S. Department of Transportation's Freight Mobility Plan. The research covers congestion in over 325 areas across the country to assess freight speeds and flow at these locations.
According to ATRI, thisresearchhas been cited by public and private stakeholders to guide infrastructure investments aimed at reducing obstacles that impact supply chains.
The latest report shows that traffic conditions nationwide continue to deteriorate. The average truck speed during peak hours is 33.2 mph,2.8% slower than last year. However, among the top ten bottlenecks, the average truck speed during peak hours is only 29.6 mph.
ATRI's research indicates that traffic congestion increases the cost of consumer goods by $109 billion and also affects the quality of life for drivers.
Although the Chicago area tops the bottleneck list this year, the Atlanta metropolitan area holds four spots in the top ten. Last year's most congested bottleneck—the I-95 at SR 4 interchange in Fort Lee, New Jersey—dropped to second place this year.
Spear said that some bottleneck areas have been addressed over the years. He mentioned the $2 billionGeorge Washington Bridge project, where some completed improvements have improved traffic flow between New York and New Jersey.
"This success provides a roadmap for policymakers to invest in projects that can improve the efficiency of the entire transportation system and benefit constituents," Spear said.