(Austin, TX) - Researchers say Cleveland-area drivers spent an average of 31 hours stuck in traffic in 2011, which is actually the least amount of time in any of Ohio's largest cities.

The annual study from the Texas A&M Transportation Insitute says that works out to an extra 18 gallons of gas for every commuter at a yearly cost of about $900.

In Cleveland, the study found the average driver was stuck in traffic for a total of 31 hours, wasting 15 gallons of gas at a cost of $642 per year.

In Cincinnati, the study found the average driver sat bumper-to-bumper for 37 hours in 2011, wasting 18 gallons of gas at a cost of $814 a year.

Lomax says Cincinnati is unusual among Ohio cities, being at the confluence of three states. That accounts for a lot of truck traffic, adding to traffic congestion.

Columbus-area commuters spent nearly 36,000 hours stuck in traffic in 2011, or about 40 hours per driver.

The study shows in most urban areas, traffic congestion peaked in 2007 and 2008 and with the recession, has been declining ever since. But Lomax says with an improving economy will come an increase in traffic-related delays.

Lomax hopes his data is used not only by highway planners, but also by those responsible for clearing traffic crashes and making sure traffic signals move cars in the most efficient way possible.

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