Gridlock Capital: D.C. Overtakes Los Angeles as America’s Worst City for Traffic

July 29, 2025

Washington, D.C. has officially become the city with the worst traffic in the United States according to the latest Consumer Affairs report, surpassing Los Angeles. The average commute in D.C. has reached 33. 4 minutes, with weekday congestion stretching for over 6.

Who is affected

D.C. residents and commuters
Commuters from Virginia (including Arlington) and Maryland (including Prince George's County and Montgomery County)
Baltimore residents (city ranks ninth nationwide for traffic congestion)
Specific individuals mentioned: Denise Pennington (Northeast D.C. resident) and Lachaughn Warren (Southeast D.C. resident)

What action is being taken

D.C. is experiencing ongoing traffic congestion stretching for more than 6.5 hours on weekdays
Commuters are attempting to navigate increasingly unpredictable traffic patterns
Virginia Beach is currently improving its traffic ranking (the only Southern metro showing improvement)

Why it matters

D.C. residents spend an average of 33.4 minutes commuting, the highest in the nation
The congestion translates to 71 full days stuck in gridlock annually, the second-highest total in the country
The traffic situation is affecting quality of life for residents who describe it as "worse than it's ever been" and "unpredictable"
D.C. has jumped from second place in 2024 to first place in 2025 for worst traffic, surpassing traditionally congested cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco
The traffic congestion reflects economic prosperity in the region according to urban planning experts

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer