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

  • April 24, 2013
    Canadian government invests in ITS at the Port of Halifax
    As part of its ITS Strategic Plan for Canada, En Route to Intelligent Mobility, the Government of Canada has announced federal funding for new technology development at the Port of Halifax, including an integrated port logistics system and the bridge air gap system. With larger ships accessing the port, there is a need to continuously monitor vessel clearances under each of the harbour bridges. The upgrading and enhancing of the bridge air gap system will enable the port to identify exactly the ship clearan
    Read More
  • July 29, 2015
    Reduced street lighting has no effect on road casualties and crime, says study
    Reduced street lighting at night has no impact on road collisions or crime, says a study, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with University College London and published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Many local authorities in England and Wales have reduced street lighting at night to save money and reduce carbon emissions. According to the UK’s Automobile Association (AA), its 2014 research showed that although night-time accidents in bad weat
    Read More
  • December 16, 2015
    Trials show fuel savings with connected vehicle technology
    American and European trials point to fuel and emissions reductions. A trial by University of California-Riverside (UC-Riverside) has shown connected vehicle technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption (and therefore emissions) by up to 18% compared with an uninformed driver.
    Read More
  • May 30, 2013
    Investment in transport systems a powerful driver of long-term growth
    According to a new OECD report, boosting private sector investment in sustainable transport infrastructure will be essential as governments seek to meet long-term economic and environmental objectives at a time of constrained public finances. Mobilising Private Investment in Sustainable Transport: The Case of Land-Based Passenger Transport Infrastructure points out that investment in transport systems is a powerful driver of long-term growth. It also notes, however, that the transport sector is the second l
    Read More

Highlighted Content