How Bad is Akron Traffic?
Akron has lower than average traffic congestion when compared to major US cities, with drivers losing about five hours to traffic in 2021.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you’re driving in Akron, be prepared to hit some traffic during your rush hour commute. A recent study determined that the Ohio city has lower than average traffic congestion when compared to other US cities, with drivers losing around five hours a year to traffic jams.
Ask any Akron, Ohio resident about their city and they’ll probably mention affordable housing, artisan ice cream, or microbreweries—but they might mention its traffic, too. Congestion in this city of about 200,000 isn’t nearly as bad as it is in New York or Los Angeles, but rush hour driving in Akron can sometimes be a drag.
So just how bad is traffic in Akron? Here to help you plan your commute in Ohio’s fifth-largest city is
Jerry
, the top-rated car insurance
expert and the only super app for car owners. Keep reading for more information on traffic in Akron and tips on how to avoid the busiest roads in the area. Plus we'll give you some tips for saving on your Akron insurance costs
.How bad is Akron traffic?
According to
a 2021 international study
, Akron is the 206th
most congested city in the United States, making its overall traffic lower than average. Drivers in Akron lose about five hours a year to traffic jams, with a cost per driver of $75.92.MORE:
Seat-belt laws in Ohio
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Why is Akron traffic bad?
Traffic congestion in Akron is determined by the city’s population, its infrastructure, and the driving habits of its residents. Here are a few factors that affect how often Akron drivers deal with traffic jams.
Population
With a population of almost 200,000, Akron is the fifth-largest city in the state of Ohio—and most Akron residents get to and from work by car. That means that there are thousands of drivers on Akron roads every day, which sometimes leads to delays and traffic jams.
Major chokepoints
Some of the worst rush hour traffic in Akron happens downtown, near the University of Akron—especially on University Avenue and East Exchange Street. The area is also a busy commuter destination, and an ongoing construction project near South Main Street, West Bowery Street and Broadway sometimes causes lane closures and detours.
Commuters that use I-77 to drive to and from their jobs outside the city may find themselves stuck in the occasional traffic jam as well, especially if they need to headwest during rush hour. Additionally, parts of I-77 are subject to ramp or lane closures while the
Department of Transportation
works to improve the beltway.Driving habits
Commuters in Akron drive an average of 21 minutes to get to their jobs. This means that drivers spend more time on localroads and may cause denser traffic in and around the city’s business areas. With many workers returning to the office as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, there’s now even more cars on those roads, creating more opportunity for accidents, congestion, and traffic jams.
MORE:
14 safe driving tips
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How to navigate Akron traffic like a pro
We all get frustrated by congested roads sometimes. They cause late arrivals—even when you’ve planned your time well—and often lead to a higher rate of traffic accidents. According to the Akron Metropolitan Area Study (AMATS) the number of crashes and traffic-related injuries in Akron has declined slightly, but
fatal accidents are actually on the rise
. And keep in mind that even small fender benders can affect your insurance rates
.The best way to keep you—and your wallet—safe is to try and avoid the worst of Akron’s traffic when you drive. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the roads of Akron like a pro:
- Avoid driving during rush hour. If it’s an option for you, try not to drive between 7am and 10am or between 3pm and 6pm. If you can’t completely avoid driving during rush hours, stay off the roads between 3pm and 5pm, when the city sees 14% to 16% of its traffic volume.
- Steer clear of busy intersections. According to AMATS, the most dangerous intersections in Akron are South Maple Street and Rhodes Avenue, South Broadway and East Thornton Street, and East Market Street and Mogadore Road. Check and see if you can get to your destination using a different route.
- Use a traffic app or your car’s navigation system to avoid congestion.DriveAkroncan alert you to any traffic jams or construction delays on the way to your destination.
- Keep your focus on the road. If you do end up in a bottleneck,avoid distractionslike using your cell phone, listening to loud music, or munching on a snack. Try to remain calm and be sure to leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you.
Prepare for Akron traffic by updating your car insurance
If you commute through downtown Akron, or have to travel on I-77 a lot, then it’s a good idea to update your car insurance policy to ensure you’ve got coverage that protects you in the event of a traffic accident.
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Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowIs Akron hard to drive in?
Driving in Akron isn’t overly difficult, but if you’re driving in downtown Akron or near certain intersections, you may need to watch out for traffic jams and accidents.
What is the best time to drive through Akron?
You can avoid traffic congestion in Akron if you hit the roads before 7am, after 6pm, or on weekends.
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