3 SoCal Freeways Top List Of 'America's Most Loathed Highways'

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — It's no surprise that three of Southern California's busiest, most congested freeways took the top three spots on the list of "America's Most Loathed Highways."

Compiled by Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach, the list ranks the top 100 most loathed roads to drive on across the country, based on a survey of 3,000 drivers.

U.S. Highway 101 in California, particularly in the regions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, claimed the top spot for its "significant traffic congestion and frequent bottlenecks."

"The traffic pace can decelerate to speeds slower than an average person's walking pace, particularly noticeable during high-density travel times," the report said. "Additionally, the highway traverses several major tourist attractions, adding to the traffic volume."

Interstate 5 ranked second on the list. The highway runs the length of the Golden State, from the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego to the California-Oregon border. Certain segments, such as through downtown Los Angeles, are "notorious for their traffic jams and long commute times."

"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," the report said. "More than mere congestion, the I-5 in LA represents a unique intersection of diverse populations, relentless urbanization, and infrastructural growing pains — all on one gridlocked stretch."

Interstate 405, known as the San Diego Freeway, ranked third on the list. The report noted that the I-405, particularly in the Los Angeles area, is "infamous for its gridlock," and is often called one of the most congested freeways in the country.

"The I-405, with its unique blend of infrastructural, environmental, and cultural factors, occupies a special spot in the hall of fame of American traffic jams, encapsulating the very essence of Los Angeles' complex relationship with the automobile," the report said.

Pennsylvania's Interstate 76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Colorado's Interstate 70 joined U.S. 101, I-5 and I-405 among the top five most loathed highways in America. I-76 ranked fourth and I-70 ranked fifth, according to the report.

See the full list here.