Columbus drivers lost an average of 49 hours to traffic in 2019, and the junction of the I-70 and I-71 is considered to be among the worst bottlenecks in the nation.

Columbus, Ohio

is a vibrant, bustling city—home to popular sports teams, a vibrant nightlife, and some world-class restaurants. It’s the second-most populous city in the midwest behind Chicago, which means that it’s also home to some fierce traffic.

But just how bad is it, really? Here to dig into the details about the traffic in Columbus is car insurance super app and comparison shopper

Jerry

. We’ll be looking at what makes traffic in Columbus so tough, how things have changed in the past few years, and some tips for navigating the city like a pro.

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How bad is Columbus traffic?

Columbus has some pretty severe traffic problems—even seasoned big-city drivers think so! A recent study by the Urban Mobility Report showed that in 2019, the average driver lost 49 hours to traffic congestion. That number fell to 27 hours in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is starting to climb again as restrictions have been lifted.

In 2020, traffic congestion was estimated to have cost the average Columbus driver $645, and that was in a year of lower than normal traffic.

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Car loan in Ohio 2022

Why is Columbus traffic so bad?

There are a lot of factors that play into what makes a city a good (or bad) one for traffic. Road conditions, weather, and the driving habits of the population all have an effect on traffic as a whole. Here are a few reasons why Columbus traffic is notoriously bad.

Population size

Columbus is the state capital, the largest city in Ohio, and the second-largest city in the midwest region. The city itself has a population of over 905,000 and the larger Columbus metropolitan area encompasses more than two million people. A recent study reported that a whopping 79% of Columbus commuters drive to work alone, which makes for a lot of cars on the road.

Major chokepoints

The meeting points of the I-70 and I-71 (sometimes called the Innerbelt Corridor) have long been considered to be the worst bottlenecks in the US. The area has been subject to a major construction project meant to help alleviate the problem.

Driving in the area when there are events at Ohio Stadium or Nationwide Arena is also a major headache and can result in hours-long delays on game days.

Drivers

Well…there’s really no nice way to say it—a recent study reported that

Columbus drivers are among some of the very worst in the US

. Road rage incidents, aggressive driving, and…colorful hand gestures are all widely reported.

Construction

One of the more frequent complaints about Columbus traffic is the construction. The

I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp Up Project

began in 2010 and is a series of massive construction projects meant to alleviate the frequent traffic accidents and heavy congestion in this area.

Construction is ongoing, and while the end result will be an improvement, drivers report that the 1.4 billion dollar project certainly creates some frustrations in the short term.

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How to navigate Columbus traffic like a pro

Just because that guy in the minivan next to you is

having a total meltdown

doesn’t mean you have to as well.

Not only does unsafe driving create dangerous situations, racking up accidents and tickets will most certainly

cause your insurance premiums to rise

. Here are a few tips for how to navigate Columbus traffic so that both you and your wallet stay safe.

Steer clear of rush hour if possible. Columbus’ rush hour is primarily in the afternoon, so if you can stay off the roads between 3 pm and 6 pm, you’ll miss most of the worst traffic. Fridays between 4 pm and 6 pm should be avoided if possible.

Take back roads when you can. The main roads aren’t always your best bet, especially if they are under construction. Research your route ahead of time and have a few alternate paths in mind so you’ll be prepared for the unexpected.

Use a traffic app or GPS to stay ahead of the game.

NBC4

has a good traffic app that also keeps you current on slowdowns, accidents, and road closures. Keep your GPS up and running for real-time updates and alternate route suggestions.

Stay calm and focused. If you do end up in a sticky traffic situation, keep your cool and stay focused on the road. Avoid the temptation to blast the music or play with your phone, and know that you’ll get there when you get there.

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The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

Prepare for Columbus traffic by updating your car insurance

Driving in Columbus may sound like a lot, but you got this! Let’s make sure you’re all set to hit the roads by taking a quick look at your

car insurance

. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it might help make up for that money you’ll lose sitting in Columbus traffic.

Just download the Jerry app, enter a little bit of information, and within minutes you’ll have a selection of competitive quotes from among 50+ top insurance companies. Sign-up is quick, and Jerry takes care of all the hard work—no phone calls or forms needed!

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FAQs

Is Columbus hard to drive in?

It’s definitely a challenge, even for seasoned, big-city pros. Keep up to date on the current road construction projects, use your GPS, and stay off the road during peak hours.

What is the best time to drive through Columbus?

If you want to avoid the worst of traffic, stay off the roads between 3 pm and 6 pm. Fridays at 4 pm are particularly bad, with 2.6% of the city’s delays occurring then.

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