How Bad Is Grand Rapids Traffic?
Commuters in Grand Rapids waste an average of 22 hours per year sitting in traffic.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
While not as densely populated as a massive metropolis, traffic in Grand Rapids has consistently risen 1% to 3% annually, meaning the average rush-hour commuter spends an additional hour behind the wheel each year.
Once known as America’s Furniture Capital, Grand Rapids’ name comes from the Grand River,
Michigan
’s largest inland river. With a vibrant and growing downtown riverfront, Grand Rapids is experiencing a sort of cultural renaissance. Unfortunately, this means that traffic congestion will likely increase an estimated 20% by 2025. That’s why car insurance super app
Jerry
has compiled this handy traffic guide, breaking down Grand Rapids traffic states. We also took a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected traffic trends and came up with some tips for avoiding traffic jams. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow bad is Grand Rapids traffic?
If population and job growth continue to occur at impressive rates in Grand Rapids, by the year 2025, the average commuter will waste 62 hours and 23 gallons of gas stuck in traffic each year.
Currently, Grand Rapids ranks number 58 on TomTom’s
list of the top 80 congested cities in the United States
. Currently, traffic patterns are on par with other similarly-sized cities, but Grand Rapids will quickly move up the list if traffic density continues to grow.Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on worldwide traffic patterns as individuals experienced stay-at-home orders and transitioned to remote work. Grand Rapids traffic decreased significantly between 2019 and 2020, and while it began to climb again in 2021, it has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
Here’s a look at how the pandemic changed traffic patterns in Grand Rapids:
Year | Total hours spent driving in rush hour traffic |
|---|---|
2019 | 74 hours |
2020 | 37 hours |
2021 | 50 hours |
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Why is Grand Rapids traffic so bad?
Population, density, the quality of highways and infrastructure, available public transportation, and general commuter habits are several factors that significantly affect traffic patterns.
Here’s how Grand Rapids stacks up:
Population size
With a population of approximately 200,000 (and counting!) Grand Rapids isn’t the biggest city in Michigan, but it’s certainly no small town. When thinking about traffic, you have to consider a city’s density—Grand Rapids fits a whopping 4,550 people per square mile.
Major chokepoints
Downtown areas of Grand Rapids tend to experience more severe traffic jams, especially in areas near the growing waterfront cultural area. Trendy restaurants, bars, and businesses attract locals and visitors alike, making driving conditions a bit less-than-smooth.
Some of the most trafficked streets include 28th St SW, Alpine Ave NW, Lake Michigan Dr NW, Broadmoore Ave SE, and E Beltline Ave NE. Avoid these areas during rush hour.
Driving habits
The average one-way commute in Grand Rapids is 19.4 minutes, which is a bit shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes. While this isn’t too alarming, it’s important to note that 75% of residents drive their own car to work. Less than 11% carpool.
Public transportation use is even more sparse. Only 4.2% of Grand Rapids residents take
The Rapid
, the city’s only mass transit system.How to navigate Grand Rapids traffic like a pro
If you’re concerned about the growing traffic in Grand Rapids, start practicing good driving habits now. Here are four easy tips to avoid the stress of traffic jams:
- Stay away from rush hour. The hour between 5 pm and 6 pm tends to be the worst time to drive in Grand Rapids, especially on a Thursday. However, morning rush hours between 7 am and 9 am can also be a pain.
- Stay off the highway. Sure—highways may seem fast and efficient, but during rush hour, they’re filled with anxious commuters. Take the backroads when possible. The speed limits may be slower, but you shouldn’t have to share the road with as many drivers.
- Stay connected. Tune into Newsradio WOOD 1300 or 106.9 FM on your car’s radio for regular, real-time traffic updates. That way, you’ll hear about construction, collisions, and other traffic jams ahead of time. You can also use your favorite maps app on your cell phone for traffic predictions.
- Stay focused.Avoid common distractionswhile driving—especially if you get stuck in traffic. If stuck in a jam, you’ll need to be prepared to stop regularly and suddenly, and things like loud music, texting, and eating can mess with your concentration.
Prepare for Grand Rapids traffic by updating your car insurance
As traffic in Grand Rapids increases, so will the risk of getting into a car accident. Collisions can cause expensive damage, so you don’t want to get caught with less-than-stellar
car insurance
.If you’re looking for a new insurance company,
Jerry
can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. Swapping is just as effortless. Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls and can even assist you in canceling your old policy!No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
“Jerrysaved me over $1000 a year by switching me from my previous insurer to Progressive. I’m thrilled!” —Joshua D.
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FAQs
Is Grand Rapids hard to drive in?
Traffic in Grand Rapids isn’t too bad—especially if you’re used to driving in big cities. Just avoid high trafficked areas, especially during rush hour, and be sure to use a navigational tool so you don’t get lost.
What is the best time to drive through Grand Rapids?
Avoid morning rush hour traffic between 7 am and 9 am and evening rush hours between 4 pm and 6 pm. Driving outside of these times shouldn’t be too difficult!
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