New report estimates time, money lost while stuck in Maryland traffic

BALTIMORE – A brand new report from a Nationwide Transportation Analysis non-profit reveals simply how a lot cash and fuel drivers are shedding from sitting in site visitors. 

That congestion is fairly dear on a yearly foundation.

The experiences present between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Maryland loses $5.8 billion {dollars} a yr which totals out to virtually $2,500. 

“So if you take a look at the $5.8 billion value within the state you get some sense of the influence of constructing these enhancements when it comes to reliability,” mentioned Rocky Moretti, from TRIP.

And that is simply scratching the floor in the associated fee to drivers sitting in site visitors congestion.

A brand new “Maintain Maryland Cellular” report reveals a few of Maryland’s most congested areas – and sure – I-695 outer and internal loops are included together with I-895 on the Harbor Tunnel. 

“Properly, I believe nobody appreciates site visitors as a result of I believe it turns into an unproductive time, besides as a result of now that we have now communications, we will do sure issues but it surely’s often unproductive,” driver Ralph mentioned.

You may assume of some selection phrases whereas sitting in site visitors when you consider costs on the pump.

This report additionally reveals that every yr from sitting in site visitors congestion, Maryland drivers waste wherever from 22 to 39 gallons of fuel and lose between 59 to 99 hours through the cease and go.

However how come?

“Ahh the development is loopy, plenty of it has to do with,” driver Joe Dispoto mentioned. “My spouse mentioned I can not imagine they’re doing all this development. I mentioned, ‘properly I believe it is to become profitable.’”

Properly, that’s partially proper.

It is a race to enhance Maryland roadways to ease all of this congestion. 

Because of President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act signed in 2021, over the following few years, Maryland will make the most of $4.6 billion to ease congestion and enhance roads which is significant to our financial system. 

Some ideas embrace extra HOV lanes and higher indicators for site visitors move.

However what about different options?

“Till we get some extra public transportation that individuals will depend on and is dependable, I believe it may keep this manner and get worst,” Dispoto mentioned.

The “Maintain Maryland Cellular” report says Maryland is making progress to ease the burden on drivers as journey returns to pre-pandemic ranges.

It additionally reveals our state has the heaviest traveled city roadways within the united States with the second longest common commute time within the nation.