DOWNTOWN — Think driving on Chicago's highways is terrible? Now there's data to prove it.
The American Transportation Research Institute used GPS data from truckers to figure out where the worst bottlenecks in the United States are. Chicago's Jane Byrne Interchange (I-290 at I-90/I-94) is the third-worst in the United States, according to its rankings.
The only spots with more congestion are in Atlanta and Fort Lee, New Jersey.
The Byrne, formerly known as the Circle Interchange, used to hold the No. 1 spot, according to the Washington Post, and though it's under construction it'll likely stay in the top 100 bottlenecks for years to come.
State transportation officials say the hope is that construction will improve safety and traffic flow, but the $475 million project isn't expected to be complete for several more years.
The Junction, I-90 at I-94 North near Cicero Ave., was ranked 15th worse. The Skyway's split at I-90 at I-94 South near 63rd St. was ranked 27th among the most congested spots, according to the rankings.
Chris Spear, president of the American Trucking Association, said he hopes the analysis serves as "a key guide" for President Donald Trump's plans for infrastructure spending.
"Ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods should be a national priority," Spear said in a prepared statement.
The Institute is part of the American Trucking Associations Federation.
