NoVA's Top Traffic Bottlenecks Identified In New Analysis

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Northern Virginia's two biggest traffic bottlenecks are both located in Woodbridge, according to a new analysis from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board.

The report said the most impactful delays occur at I-95 and VA-123 in both directions. The southbound section has been the largest bottleneck for 12 consecutive years, according to the analysis.

The analysis used vehicle speed data from 2010 to 2021 with a focus on persistent bottlenecks to find trends and compare severity. The report also studied the delays caused by each bottleneck and the effect of congestion on the roadway.

"Southbound I-95 at VA-123/Exit 160 (near the Occoquan River) is unrivaled as the region’s top bottleneck in both frequency and severity," the report said. Researchers found that the bottleneck had twice as much impact as the most disruptive area.

Here are the top 10 bottlenecks throughout the D.C. region, according to the study:

1. I-95 S at VA-123/Exit 160
2. I-95 N at VA-123/Exit 160
3. DC-295 S at East Capitol Street
4. Baltimore Washington Parkway N at Powder Mill Road
5. I-95 N at VA-617/Backlick Road/Exit 167
6. US-301 S at McKendree Road/Cedarville Road
7. I-495 Inner Loop at I-270-SPUR
8. I-66 W at VA-234/Exit 47
9. I-270 S at MD-109/Exit 22
10. I-270 N at MD-109/Exit 22

The researchers found that some bottleneck locations have lessened over time, especially along I-66. The study did not provide a specific reason for the change. However, transportation officials said trends could be impacted by construction, population and business growth, economic changes, and the pandemic.