Traffic congestion in Tennessee’s four largest cities ranks in the worst half of the nation and costs Tennesseans more than $1.7 billion annually, according to a new report compiled by nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee.
Using the latest data from the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, ThinkTennessee found that Nashville drivers spend nearly a full work week (33 hours) sitting in traffic and lose an average of $1,469 each year to congestion-related costs—an increase of $161 compared to last year. Chattanooga traffic also got more expensive, with drivers now forfeiting nearly three workdays (21 hours) and nearly $950 to congestion delays.
Of the 297 U.S. cities profiled, Nashville traffic ranks 27th worst and costs drivers there an aggregate $1.2 billion due to factors such as lost time, additional fuel and higher prices on goods and services. Chattanooga drivers (64th worst) lose $293 million annually, while those in Memphis (89th worst) and Knoxville (148th worst) hand over a total of $175 million and $94 million, respectively.
