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21st century operations using 21st century technologies

Freedom to Drive Initiative

Office of Operations

Freedom to Drive logo featuring a red highway with median stripes leading into a blue tunnel with stars

The Trump Administration is launching the Freedom to Drive initiative to tackle the nation’s growing congestion problem by calling on state officials to work with us to combat the problem. The initiative supports maximizing existing roadway capacity, accelerating projects to alleviate congestion chokepoints, partnering with the private sector to leverage our infrastructure investments, and applying American technology and ingenuity.

America has the greatest road network in the world. Over 4 million miles of public roads deliver 92 percent of commute trips and carry 72 percent of all freight. Yet congestion is a drain on American families and our economy:

  • The United States includes 10 of the 25 most congested cities in the world.
  • The average urban auto commuter lost 63 hours stuck in traffic in 2024, costing $1,480 per commuter.
  • This represents $269 billion in lost productivity and fuel costs.
  • Vehicle travel has increased by 10 percent, and delays have increased by 22 percent since 2014.
  • Over the next 25 years, vehicle travel will grow another 16 percent.
  • Freight shipments by truck are expected to increase by nearly 50 percent over the next 25 years.

Every hour an American spends staring at a car bumper is an hour they aren't at the dinner table or on the job. Congestion is not just an urban problem. A lack of alternative routes in rural areas magnify traffic breakdowns. Fixing traffic congestion is a complex and potentially expensive problem but gridlock is preventable.

The Trump Administration is committed to making an impact. The Federal Highway Administration is actively working with partners to implement solutions. We will share activities and results of the Freedom to Drive initiative on this site, as well as approaches that can be applied to fight congestion in your community.

Resources

Press Release

Letter to Governors

Letter to the Mayor of the District of Columbia

FHWA Urban Congestion Trends Reports and Interactive Dashboard