Seattle-Area Drivers Spent 46 Hours In Traffic In 2022: INRIX

SEATTLE — The average Puget Sound commuter spent nearly two calendar days stuck in congestion last year, according to an annual report from the Kirkland-based transportation firm INRIX.

While still making for one of the nation's 20 worst cities for traffic, and adding 16 hours since the year before, Seattle's traffic delays are still 38 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels and considerably smaller than several other big metros.

INRIX examined 295 urban areas in the United States and found 179 were still below their pre-COVID traffic norms in 2022. While 116 cities surged beyond pre-pandemic volumes, most were smaller, less-congested cities, researchers found.

The average American driver lost 51 hours to congestion, up 15 hours from the year before, costing an estimated $869 in lost time on top of fuel costs surging 32 percent. Crashes were up 4 percent last year.

Among the major cities in the top five for congestion, all saw annual delays top 100 hours, led by Chicago. Seattle placed 19th for congestion, up for 22nd in 2021. Portland was 12th on the list.

Here are the five U.S. metro areas for congestion in 2022, per INRIX:

1. Chicago: 155 hours
2. Boston: 134 hours
3. New York City: 117 hours
4. Philadelphia: 114 hours
5. Miami: 105 hours

>> Explore INRIX's annual traffic scorecard here.