Traffic in Silver Spring
In 2024, Silver Spring, MD, continues to rely heavily on cars as the primary mode of transportation, with over 71% of commuters using them.
Walking and working from home are the next most popular options, each accounting for approximately 14% of the commuting population.
Average Commute Times
The average commute involves 1.3 minutes of waiting and 14.3 minutes of driving, covering a distance of 13.2 km.
- Car - Car commuters spend about 17.2 minutes driving over a distance of 12.9 km.
- Walking - Walking commuters spend 20 minutes walking and cover a distance of 14.5 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Walking
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the winter months due to adverse weather conditions, impacting commute times.
Summer sees a slight decrease in traffic as many residents take vacations.
Commuter Pain Points
Traffic congestion during peak hours remains a significant issue for car commuters.
Limited public transportation options make it challenging for non-car users to commute efficiently.
Best Travel Times
Traveling outside of peak hours, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, can significantly reduce commute times.
Weekends generally offer smoother traffic conditions compared to weekdays.
Event Impacts
Public events in downtown Silver Spring can lead to temporary road closures and increased traffic congestion.
Residents are advised to plan alternative routes during major events to avoid delays.
Sustainability Efforts
Silver Spring is exploring the expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian paths to encourage eco-friendly commuting.
The city is also considering investments in electric vehicle infrastructure to support a greener transportation network.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of personal vehicles on the road, contributing to less congestion.
However, the increased presence of ride-sharing vehicles can sometimes lead to traffic bottlenecks in popular areas.
