Skip to main content

Study identifies Canada’s worst traffic bottlenecks

Canada’s top 20 most congested traffic bottlenecks may cover just 65 kilometres, but they collectively cost drivers over 11.5 million hours and an extra 22 million litres of fuel per year. These are two findings of Grinding to a Halt, Evaluating Canada’s Worst Bottlenecks, released by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Studies show that bottlenecks are the single biggest contributor to road delay, far outpacing traffic accidents, inclement weather and construction. The report provides data-based
January 12, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Canada’s top 20 most congested traffic bottlenecks may cover just 65 kilometres, but they collectively cost drivers over 11.5 million hours and an extra 22 million litres of fuel per year. These are two findings of Grinding to a Halt, Evaluating Canada’s Worst Bottlenecks, released by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).


Studies show that bottlenecks are the single biggest contributor to road delay, far outpacing traffic accidents, inclement weather and construction. The report provides data-based evidence for decision-makers to use when making decisions on infrastructure investment and environment policy.  It includes the cost to Canadians of these bottlenecks in terms of lost time, productivity and added greenhouse gas emissions.

“Traffic congestion is a major source of stress for Canadians. Our study concludes that traffic bottlenecks affect Canadians in every major urban market, increasing commute times by as much as 50 per cent,” said Jeff Walker, vice-president of Public Affairs for CAA National. “Reducing these bottlenecks will increase the quality of life for millions of Canadians, save millions in fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gases, helping contribute to Canada’s climate change commitments.”

Toronto has ten bottlenecks in the top 20, Montreal five, Vancouver four and Quebec City one. Other cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax also experience serious traffic delays.

Related Content

  • February 11, 2013
    Public transport study: What moves the sector?
    A new study by transportation software provider PTV Group concludes that scarcity of resources and demographic change are determining the future of public transport. The study illustrates which topics are moving the public transport sector and how stakeholders are dealing with them. The study involved around 300 participants from around the world, including transport operators, associations, consultants and engineering companies. The majority (81 per cent) stated fewer resources and climate change as the l
  • September 11, 2020
    Uber clean-up - those all-important facts and figures
    Ride-hailing giant says it can switch to all-electric vehicles 'in any major city' by 2030
  • May 30, 2013
    Wavetronix radar-based traffic sensor cuts costs
    While initial cost of radar based detection may be higher than that traditional loops, lower maintenance costs more than balance the books. Following successful field tests, the US city of Greenville, North Carolina, has recently agreed a new policy of phasing in Wavetronix traffic sensor technology’s radar-based SmartSensor Matrix system across its signalised traffic intersections. City traffic engineer Rik DiCesare expects the incremental implementation to deliver benefits to both the city’s taxpayers an
  • October 20, 2014
    Cities’ quandary over air quality
    Transportation professionals have always made the safety of drivers, other road users and pedestrians their top priority with congestion and other considerations further down the wish list. Now, however, it is not enough to prevent motorists, cyclists and pedestrians being injured in traffic accidents as it appears transport professionals’ responsibilities must go much wider – to the public in general. The OECD has calculated that road traffic related air pollution kills more than three million people per y