I suspect that's the same problem in Atlanta.
BTW, I remember the big highway through downtown with all its neat exits and entrances, and there were no big buildings there. Actually drove 70 MPH through what is now the Atlanta central core and there was no traffic there (circa 10 AM).
Things have changed.
I suspect that's the same problem in Atlanta.
Actually, the amount of "through" traffic in Atlanta is huge. The last study I saw put it at around 25% of all traffic over the course of a day (going from memory here). I-75 is one of 2 significant routes to Florida from the north, with the other being I-95. It's highly evident during spring break when the north/south traffic is much higher.
The I-285 bypass loop around Atlanta is essentially useless for travelers trying to bypass the city. Each interchange on the loop is a small city of its own, and commuter traffic is huge. It's faster to drive straight through the city.
I routinely drive through Atlanta on my way to Florida. I find that if I want to avoid major traffic jams and stoppage, I have to be through Atlanta by 0630 in the morning. In other words, I have to get up at 0300 hrs and be on the road by 0430 or I can easily add 1 hour to my drive time due to Atlanta's traffic.
The extremely limited access lanes on I-75 were an idea that was passed around several years ago. I-271 in Cleveland, OH has them and they work well there. But Atlanta's liberal politicians decided that the HOV lanes were a better idea so travelers get to mingle with commuters. Got to kiss the backside of the tree huggers once in a while, I guess. Even at the detriment of your own constituency.