Congestion getting worse in Seattle-area

You’re spending more time stuck in traffic today than you did three years ago.

Washington State Department of Transportation systems analyst Sreenath Gangula said congestion went up 16 percent in Washington between 2009 and 2011. The WSDOT says the increase is due to an improving economy and larger work force.

“They’re traveling less but spending more time, which means they are getting more delayed,” he said.

The data showed we drove 50 fewer miles in 2011 than in 2009, and 88 fewer miles than in 2010.

The delays cost drivers and businesses nearly $800 million last year.

The worst congestion is between Bellevue and Seattle. That drive takes twice as long as it should.