These 3 CA Highways Named America's 'Most Loathed'

ACROSS CALIFORNIA — It's no surprise that on the list of "America's Most Loathed Highways" California freeways grabbed the top three spots. The Golden State's U.S. Highway 101 received the most dubious of honors in the rankings from Gunther Volvo Cars.

The highway ranked No. 1 — or dead last, depending on your perspective — on the list. The rankings of the country's top 100 most loathed roads were derived from a survey of 3,000 drivers.

"In densely populated areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, the U.S. 101 is notorious for continuous congestion, evidenced by an abundance of brake lights and the sound of horns," the report stated. "The traffic pace can decelerate to speeds slower than an average person's walking pace, particularly noticeable during high-density travel times."

The rankings noted that the highway traverses several major tourist attractions, adding to the traffic volume. In Southern California, U.S. 101 passes through Hollywood with views of the famed Hollywood sign. In Northern California, it passes over the highly photographed Golden Gate Bridge.

It should be no surprise that California also claimed the second and third spots on the list with Interstate 5 and Interstate 405 — both of which run through the Los Angeles area.

I-5 runs the length of the Golden State, from the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego to the California-Oregon border at the top of the state near the picturesque Lake Shasta and Mount Shasta.

On the 5, "'Rush hour' is a standing misnomer, with traffic bottlenecking notoriously near juggernaut junctions like the East LA and 110 interchanges," the report says. "The highway's constant evolution, marked by endless construction such as the HOV lane additions, often exacerbates delays, trapping drivers in a sluggish, honking morass shadowed by the bustling LA skyline." [Patch writer nods in agreement.]

As for the 405, the report noted "its unique blend of infrastructural, environmental, and cultural factors, occupies a special spot in the hall of fame of American traffic jams."

Pennsylvania's I-76 — the Pennsylvania Turnpike — and Colorado's I-70 joined California's Golden Trio in the top five — ahem, worst five — roads in America.

Alabama, Delaware, New York, Illinois and New Jersey also clinched spots on the top 10 "most loathed roads in America."

See the full list here.