Is traffic really as bad as it seems?
Yes, and now there are more numbers to back it up.
The Puget Sound Regional Council, a shepherd of funding for many local transportation projects, recently issued a report on compounding congestion.
From Everett to Seattle on I-5, there were 4,600 more hours of delay each day in 2014 than 2010, an 84 percent increase.
Even looking at just the one-year difference was depressing: The 10,100 hours of delay in 2014 topped 2013’s 7,930 hours by 28 percent.
In Snohomish County, the key chokepoint was the U.S. 2 interchange in Everett.
As a result, traffic patterns changed, pushing the delays to the far-left lane, too. Travel times in carpool lanes increased by 25 percent during the morning rush.
All this, and the region is still growing and adding more jobs — two key ingredients to congestion.
The council promises more numbers in March. Gee, can’t wait.
Have a question? Email us at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your name and city of residence. Look for updates on our Street Smarts blog.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
