What would you do with 52 hours?localize Sit in traffic, apparently. That's the average time commuters in Madisonlocalize lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 7%localize worse than the year previous.

By the numbers

According to a recent report from Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a trip that would take 20 minutes without traffic takes...

24 minutes with traffic
25 minutes in the peak direction
30 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival

When is the worst time to drive?

Traffic is at its worst between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. In the morning, 6-9 a.m. can also be dicey.

But the hands-down worst time to commute? 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. 2.1% of the area's weekly delay happens around then.

When is the best time to drive?

Technically, that would be around midnight. But if you work a nine-to-five, here's our advice:

Head to work by 6 a.m. or wait until 9 a.m.
If you can leave work early, head out by 2 p.m.
If your boss is watching, you'll need to stay at your desk until at least 6 p.m. Or grab a nearby bite from a happy hour spot, and wait out the traffic until 7 p.m.

What about public transit?

Hop on the bus, Gus. At least you aren't footing the gas bill.

Did you know you can bring your bike on the bus? Good for traffic congestion... and your calves.