The Federal Highway Administration identifies seasonal travel demand as a recurring transportation challenge, noting that roads serving recreational destinations can experience substantial increases in traffic while roadway capacity remains unchanged. In many rural areas, seasonal travel can significantly increase traffic volumes during peak periods, affecting both passenger vehicles and commercial traffic using the same corridors.

Long Tourist Seasons Keep Highways Busy for Months

Some states experience tourism in waves rather than a single peak season. Florida is the clearest example.

Snowbirds begin arriving during the fall, holiday travel increases traffic in December, spring break shifts congestion toward beaches and Central Florida, and summer vacations keep visitors moving throughout the state. Instead of returning to typical traffic levels after one busy period, many of Florida’s primary highways transition directly into the next one.

Interstate 4, Interstate 75, Interstate 95, and Florida’s Turnpike carry commuters, commercial vehicles, vacation travelers, and seasonal residents at the same time. Cruise ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Port Canaveral add another source of year-round travel, particularly on weekends when passenger traffic builds around port access roads.

Arizona follows a similar pattern during the cooler months. Winter visitors increase traffic throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Grand Canyon travel corridors before spring travel and outdoor recreation continue the seasonal demand well into the year.

Vacation Destinations Create Predictable Weekend Traffic

Beach communities follow a different pattern because traffic builds around arrival and departure days rather than remaining consistent throughout the week.

Drivers making deliveries into destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, the Florida Panhandle, Cape Cod, or coastal Maine often find Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings considerably slower than midweek. Vacation traffic concentrates around the same entrance roads, hotel districts, shopping areas, and restaurants where commercial deliveries are also taking place.

The interstate portion of the trip may remain relatively steady while congestion develops during the final miles approaching the delivery location. That difference is especially noticeable in resort communities served by two-lane highways or limited-access roads where alternate routes are scarce.

Recreation Corridors Affect Traffic Before Drivers Reach the Destination

National parks and mountain recreation areas create traffic patterns that extend well beyond park entrances.

Interstate 70 through Colorado illustrates how recreation traffic changes throughout the year. Winter weekends bring travelers heading toward ski resorts, while warmer months replace them with hikers, campers, cyclists, and visitors traveling to national parks and mountain communities. Although the destination changes, the highway experiences recurring seasonal congestion because recreational traffic continues using the same corridor.

The same pattern appears on highways serving Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, Grand Canyon, and other national parks. According to the FHWA, rural recreation corridors often experience some of the largest seasonal traffic increases because road capacity remains fixed while visitor demand rises sharply during peak travel periods.

Major Events Can Reshape Traffic Overnight

Some of the busiest commercial traffic conditions are tied to events rather than traditional vacation seasons.

Las Vegas conventions, Daytona Speedweeks, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and major college football weekends attract tens of thousands of visitors over a short period. Hotels fill, rental vehicles increase, restaurants receive additional deliveries, and highways serving those destinations experience traffic patterns that resemble holiday travel.

Unlike seasonal tourism, these increases are temporary but highly predictable. Event schedules are published months in advance, allowing carriers and drivers to adjust delivery appointments when flexibility is available.

Tourist Traffic Doesn’t End at State Lines

Many popular destinations begin affecting traffic well before drivers reach the state where the attraction is located.

Interstate 95 carries vacation traffic bound for Florida long before travelers reach Jacksonville. Interstate 15 becomes noticeably busier as drivers approach Las Vegas from Southern California. Highways leading into the Great Smoky Mountains carry increasing numbers of passenger vehicles across multiple states as visitors travel toward eastern Tennessee.

Recognizing these regional travel patterns can be just as important as understanding local congestion because the additional traffic often develops across entire interstate corridors rather than only around the destination itself.

Seasonal Traffic Is Predictable Even When Daily Congestion Is Not

Tourist traffic rarely appears without warning. Beach vacations, ski seasons, national park travel, holiday weekends, and large annual events follow calendars that repeat every year, making them easier to anticipate than crashes, weather incidents, or construction delays.

State DOT travel advisories, seasonal traffic forecasts, and event calendars provide advance notice of many of these recurring traffic increases. Reviewing those resources before entering popular tourism regions can help drivers build more realistic arrival times, particularly during periods when visitor traffic is expected to be at its highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tourist season affect truck delivery appointment times?

It can. Distribution centers and retail locations in popular tourist destinations may experience heavier customer traffic, parking constraints, or slower access during peak travel periods. Drivers should allow additional time when delivering to businesses near beaches, entertainment districts, or major attractions.

Why does tourist traffic seem worse on Fridays and Sundays?

Many vacation destinations experience predictable arrival and departure patterns. Friday afternoons and evenings often bring travelers heading to their destination, while Sundays typically see higher outbound traffic as weekend visitors return home. Holiday weekends can extend those patterns over several days.

Are state DOTs more likely to schedule road work outside of tourist season?

Many state transportation agencies try to reduce the impact of planned construction during peak tourism periods, particularly in areas where travel is critical to the local economy. Emergency repairs and major infrastructure projects may still occur, but seasonal traffic is often considered when construction schedules are planned.

Which types of businesses receive more truck deliveries during tourist season?

Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, attractions, event venues, rental companies, and retail businesses often increase inventory to meet higher visitor demand. That can lead to additional commercial deliveries during peak travel periods.

Where can truck drivers check seasonal travel forecasts before entering tourist areas?

Most state Departments of Transportation publish travel advisories, construction updates, traffic cameras, and seasonal travel information through their websites and 511 traveler information systems. Many also publish alerts before major holidays and large public events.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 30, 2026

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Chicago Takes the Number One Spot

The newly ranked top bottleneck sits in the heart of the Chicago metro area, where multiple interstates converge, and daily traffic volume overwhelms available capacity. “As Congress prepares to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation programs, this timely analysis can help local, state, and federal governments target funding where it is needed most,” ATRI said. For drivers running through the Midwest, the I 294 and I 290 and I 88 interchange has long been known for stop-and-go traffic, tight merges, and delays that stretch well beyond peak hours.

Congestion Equals Hundreds of Thousands of Drivers Sitting Still

The cost of congestion continues to climb, and ATRI’s leadership says the impact on truck drivers is severe. “Congestion delays inflicted on truckers are the equivalent of 436,000 drivers sitting idle for an entire year,” said Rebecca Brewster, ATRI president and COO. “While these congestion metrics are getting worse, the good news is that states do not need to accept the status quo. Illinois has been home to the country’s top bottleneck before, but following a sustained effort to expand capacity, its previous number one bottleneck at the Jane Byrne Interchange no longer ranks in the top 25. This data gives policymakers a road map to reduce chokepoints, lower emissions, and drive economic growth.” That comparison puts into perspective how much productive driving time is lost every year due to bottlenecks alone.

How ATRI Builds the Bottleneck Rankings

The 2026 Top Truck Bottleneck List measures truck-involved congestion at more than 325 freight-critical locations across the national highway system. The rankings are based on truck GPS data collected throughout 2025, customized analysis software, terabytes of real-world operational data, and speed and delay measurements during peak congestion. While ATRI continuously monitors over 325 locations, only the top 100 most congested freight bottlenecks make the annual list. ATRI’s truck GPS data is also used by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Freight Mobility Initiative.

Top Ten Truck Bottlenecks in the United States

For the first time, the I 294 and I 290 and I 88 interchange in Chicago, Illinois, ranks as the most congested freight bottleneck in the country. The remaining top ten bottlenecks include:

Top 10 Truck Bottlenecks in 2026

1. Chicago, Illinois – I-294 at I-290 / I-88
2. Fort Lee, New Jersey – I-95 at SR 4
3. Atlanta, Georgia – I-285 at I-85 (North)
4. Houston, Texas – I-45 at I-69 / US 59
5. Atlanta, Georgia – I-75 at I-285 (North)
6. Atlanta, Georgia – I-20 at I-285 (West)
7. Nashville, Tennessee – I-24 / I-40 at I-440 (East)
8. Houston, Texas – I-10 at I-69 / US 59
9. Cincinnati, Ohio – I-71 at I-75
10. McDonough, Georgia – I-75

Traffic Speeds Continue to Decline

ATRI’s analysis found that congestion conditions continued to worsen compared to previous years. In some areas, work zones tied to infrastructure investment contributed to slower traffic flow. Average rush hour truck speeds nationwide dropped to 33.2 miles per hour, a 2.8 percent decrease from the year prior. At the top ten bottleneck locations, average rush hour truck speeds were even lower, coming in at 29.6 miles per hour.

Industry Leaders Call for Targeted Fixes

Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, said drivers already know exactly how bad these locations are. “Following a comprehensive, data-driven analysis, ATRI has crowned a new stretch of highway in Chicago as America’s worst bottleneck,” Spear said. “Those who are least likely to be surprised by this announcement are the truck drivers and commuters who are forced to endure endless delays when navigating this dreadful interchange. Traffic congestion not only chokes our supply chains, adding 109 billion dollars annually to the cost of goods paid by consumers, but it also impacts the quality of life for all motorists. Fortunately for frustrated commuters, there is hope. For many years, the George Washington Bridge held this infamous bottleneck title, yet targeted infrastructure investments have finally helped to boost speeds between New York and New Jersey. This success provides a roadmap for policymakers to invest in projects that will improve efficiency throughout our transportation system and benefit their constituents.”

Full Bottleneck Report Available

Drivers and carriers who want a deeper look at all 100 ranked locations can review the full ATRI bottleneck report, including detailed breakdowns for each congestion hotspot. For access to the full report, including detailed information on each of the 100 top congested locations, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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AAA expects 81.8 million people to travel at least 50 miles between Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Dec. 1. That is 1.6 million more than last year. Out of that group, 73 million will be driving, which sets a new record for Thanksgiving road travel. In other words, the four-wheelers will be out in full force.

That number could climb even higher. AAA notes that about 6 million people are planning to fly, but with recent cancellations disrupting travel, many could end up driving instead.

Fuel prices are holding steady. AAA reports that drivers are paying about the same as last Thanksgiving, when the national average for regular gasoline was 3.06 dollars.

“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”

Drivers working in the Southeast should prepare for especially heavy tourist traffic. AAA says Florida is the top destination again this year, thanks to its theme parks, cruise terminals, and warm weather.

For truckers running freight through these areas, expect heavier-than-normal congestion, more last-minute lane changes, and added pressure on rest area parking as travelers pack the roads. Planning can help avoid unnecessary stress during the busiest stretch of the holiday travel season.

Image Source: AAA

Source: Truckers News

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ATRI’s 2025 Top Truck Bottleneck List leverages massive amounts of GPS data from commercial trucks to assess congestion levels at over 325 critical points across the national highway system. Using advanced software and data analytics, ATRI compiles detailed rankings that highlight the most problematic spots for truck-involved traffic.

The Slowdown Continues

A review of 2024 data revealed that traffic conditions at many truck bottlenecks are worsening. Infrastructure upgrades intended to expand roadway capacity contributed to the stagnation, as construction areas caused temporary slowdowns. On average, rush-hour truck speeds at Fort Lee dropped to 34.2 MPH, a 3% reduction compared to the year before. Across the top ten bottlenecks, rush-hour truck speeds averaged just 29.7 MPH.

“Delays inflicted on truckers by congestion are the equivalent of 436,000 drivers sitting idle for an entire year,” observed ATRI President and COO Rebecca Brewster.

Aside from wasted time, traffic congestion bears a heavy environmental and financial burden. Trucks stuck in gridlock burned an estimated 6.4 billion gallons of diesel fuel, generating over 65 million metric tons of unnecessary carbon emissions.

Infrastructure Investment: A Double-Edged Sword

While construction has added to current congestion woes, the upgrades are essential to long-term improvements. “Illinois was once home to the top bottleneck in the country, but following a sustained effort to expand capacity, the Jane Byrne Interchange in Chicago no longer ranks in the top 10,” noted Brewster.

The $800 million reconstruction of the Jane Byrne Interchange offers a success story for how investments in infrastructure can deliver measurable results. Truck speeds during rush hours improved nearly 25% post-construction. Before the updates, vehicle speeds during daytime hours ranged from 12 to 37 MPH. By addressing chokepoints strategically, such projects can dramatically reduce congestion, cut emissions, and boost economic growth.

Notably, Chicago’s I-290 at I-90/I-94, once the nation’s worst bottleneck, has now fallen to 15th place on the list, sliding two spots from last year.

Bottleneck Challenges Impact Everyone

The release of ATRI’s analysis coincides with government efforts to reauthorize the federal highway bill. According to Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, this research provides a clear “road map” for addressing America’s most severe traffic bottlenecks.

“These bottlenecks not only choke our supply chains, adding $109 billion annually to the cost of transporting everyday goods that Americans rely on, but they also impact the quality of life for all motorists,” Spear said. “Targeted investments to reduce this traffic congestion are exactly the kinds of projects, with a measurable return on investment, that taxpayers come to expect of their elected officials.”

Wasteful Gridlock by the Numbers

Traffic-related delays result in massive losses beyond time and money, increasing environmental pollution while straining logistics networks. ATRI’s findings demonstrate how systematic strategies can address these inefficiencies, offering benefits for industries, individuals, and the planet.

The Remaining Top 10 Bottlenecks for Freight Traffic

While New Jersey holds the unenviable title of worst freight bottleneck, other major cities also find themselves grappling with extreme congestion. Here’s the rest of ATRI’s Top 10 list for 2025:

• 2. Chicago: I-294 at I-290/I-88

• 3. Houston: I-45 at I-69/US 59

• 4. Atlanta: I-285 at I-85 (North)

• 5. Nashville: I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)

• 6. Atlanta: I-75 at I-285 (North)

• 7. Los Angeles: SR 60 at SR 57

• 8. Cincinnati: I-71 at I-75

• 9. Houston: I-10 at I-45

• 10. Atlanta: I-20 at I-285 (West)

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post ATRI Ranks the Worst Freight Bottlenecks of the Year – Here’s Where Truckers Are Slowing Down appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.