Congestion

In the coming decades, current forecasts call for more people to be driving and traveling longer distances. Significant highway needs remain unfunded, while road usage is expected to increase steadily.

Highway Congestion

The following maps show currently observed and projected congestion on major roads in the region during the weekday evening commute. By 2030, congested traffic flow is expected to be prevalent throughout the entire region, not just in isolated areas. However, in 2030, there are some areas of forecasted improvement, such as the Virginia portion of I-95 south of the beltway, which will benefit from the 36-mile HOT lane project currently in the 2007 CLRP.

Transit Congestion

Transit is also forecast to become increasingly congested and is even projected to reach capacity. The following maps show forecasted congested for Metrorail during the morning commute. Due to a lack of funding identified to accommodate all of the projected ridership growth beyond 2010, the Metrorail system will be severely congested in 2030 on trips to and through the regional core. Additional information will be available through WMATA's upcoming Metrorail Station Access & Capacity Study.