SAN ANTONIO, Texas The Texas Transportation Institute, which has studied traffic congestion in the U.S. for nearly three decades, says the current slowdown in roadway traffic is a temporary lull and not a long-term trend.

Traffic congestion improved slightly in 2007, as higher fuel prices and then the onset of the economic recession took travelers off the nations highways and roads.

However, experts at the institute say roads will become more clogged once the economy picks back up.

The institutes 2009 Urban Mobility Report outlines critical steps that should be taken to improve traffic, including adding capacity in critical corridors.

According to the study, traffic is adversely affecting Americas 439 urban areas, and has gotten worse. In 2007, Americans had to drive 4.2 billion hours more and spend an extra 2.8 billion gallons of fuel as a result of congestion.

This resulted in congestion "costs" of $87.2 billion, a rise of more than 50 percent over the previous decade.

The slight decline in traffic, primarily during the second half of 2007, caused the delay per traveler, or the number of hours of extra time commuters spend during rush hours, to dip.

"This change would be more hopeful if it was associated with something other than rising fuel prices . . . and a slowing economy," the report said.

For those who insist that increased public transportation is the best solution for congestion, the institutes study seemed to throw cold water on that idea.

The report found that 75 percent of travel time and congestion cost savings produced by public transportation systems were concentrated in just six cities, with New York City capturing half of the nationwide benefits.

In other words, increased public transportation will only help congestion in certain corridors in densely populated areas.

To address impending issues, the report recommended:

Get as much service as possible from what we have. In other words, low-cost improvements can go a long way with public support and rapid deployment. These include quickly removing crashed vehicles, timing traffic signals so more vehicles see green lights, improving road and intersection designs, or adding a short section of roadway.

Add capacity in critical corridors. The report suggests adding more road lanes, new streets and highways, new or expanded public transportation facilities and larger bus and rail fleets.

Change usage patterns. Things like flexible work hours, internet connections or phones allow employees to choose work schedules that not only meet their needs, but also reduce travel during "rush hours."

Provide choices. Solutions such as different routes, travel modes or lanes that involve a toll for high-speed and more reliable trips, allow travelers to customize their travel plans.

Be realistic about finding solutions. Large urban areas and key activity centers will always be congested. Congestion cannot be eliminated in all locations at all times.

The full report can be downloaded at http://mobility.tamu.edu.