Interstate 290 in Chicago is a focal point for the worst truck bottleneck in the country, according to ATRI’s survey. (ziggymaj/Getty Images)
March 2, 2026 1:48 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- ATRI ranked Chicago’s I‑294 at I‑290/I‑88 as the nation’s top freight bottleneck for 2026.
- Industry leaders say congestion delays burden truckers and add significant cost for consumers.
- ATRI’s GPS‑driven data offers policymakers a guide for resolving major freight choke points.
Chicago’s Interstate 294 at I‑290/I‑88 has been named the nation’s top freight bottleneck in 2026, according to a new analysis from the American Transportation Research Institute.
The Windy City’s gridlock mainstay surpassed the familiar freight bottleneck at the George Washington Bridge, which connects New York and New Jersey. Atlanta’s I-285 at I-85 (North) was named third worst on ATRI’s list.
“Congestion delays inflicted on truckers are the equivalent of 436,000 drivers sitting idle for an entire year,” ATRI President and Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Brewster said Feb. 17. “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 No. 1 bottleneck at the Jane Byrne Interchange no longer ranks in the top 25. This data gives policymakers a road map to reduce choke points, lower emissions and drive economic growth.”
Rounding out the top 10 on the list were, at the fourth spot, Houston’s I-45 at I-69/U.S. Route 59. At Nos. 5 and 6, Atlanta’s I-75 at I-285 (North) and I-20 at I-285 (West), respectively. The seventh spot went to Nashville’s I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East); at No. 8, Houston’s I-10 at I-69/U.S. Route 59. Ninth was Cincinnati’s I-71 at I-75, and the 10th spot belonged to I-75 in McDonough, Ga.
The research group’s annual ranking of truck bottlenecks consists of assessments of truck-involved congestion at locations throughout the national highway system.
American Trucking Associations applauded ATRI’s research, pointing to the insight it offers industry stakeholders aiming to improve supply chain connectivity.
Construction creates congestion, but help IS on the way! @Truck_Research President Rebecca Brewster dives into how Chicago became a center of freight movement and what @IDOT_Illinois is doing to improve its transportation flow on @fox32news. pic.twitter.com/kyg3tx4u6q
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) February 24, 2026
“Following a comprehensive, data-driven analysis, ATRI has crowned a new stretch of highway in Chicago as America’s worst bottleneck. Those who are least likely surprised by this announcement are the truck drivers and commuters who are forced to endure endless delays when navigating this dreadful interchange,” ATA President Chris Spear said in a statement that accompanied the report’s announcement.
Source: ATRI. Graphic by Transport Topics
“Traffic congestion not only chokes our supply chains, adding $109 billion annually to the cost of goods paid by consumers, it also impacts the quality of life for all motorists. Fortunately for frustrated commuters, there is hope,” Spear continued. “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 road map for policymakers to invest in projects that will improve efficiency throughout our transportation system and benefit their constituents.”
Spaghetti junction ruining the function.
Metro Atlanta is home to four of the top 10 worst traffic bottlenecks in the nation. Getting people home safely and with minimal headache is not a partisan issue. @RepLucyMcBath, @RepNikema, @RepHankJohnson, @Repdavidscott,… pic.twitter.com/DUth0G8Rpg
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) February 26, 2026
Anchored by an extensive database of freight truck GPS data, ATRI’s analysis relies on customized software applications and methodology. It also incorporates terabytes of data from trucking operations to arrive at congestion rankings for each location. For nearly a quarter of a century, the group has processed truck GPS data in support of the Department of Transportation Freight Mobility Initiative.
“While other outside analyses may identify congested corridors, no dataset available today specifically identifies granular choke points in the nation’s truck freight transportation system,” according to ATRI. “Measuring the performance of freight movement across our nation’s highways is critical to understanding where and at what level investments should be made.”
