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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: planxtymcgillicuddy on July 06, 2021, 02:11:01 PM

Title: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: planxtymcgillicuddy on July 06, 2021, 02:11:01 PM
We've tackled the most hated freeways in each city, now let's expand it: What do you believe to be the most hated freeway in America?
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
Interstate 238 is probably a strong contender for the title in the roadgeek world.  I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see from the comments from normals on Facebook groups.  There is FAR worse than the 405 reality through.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: HighwayStar on July 06, 2021, 03:54:25 PM
How does one even measure this? Conceptually its difficult.

If we simply count the number of people that vote for it being their least favorite the title will go to some congested item in the largest city that drives, ie. disqualifying NYC, Los Angeles.

But that is really a meaningless title since it simply has a very small plurality of votes by people who really don't have a clue about the subject.

A more informed opinion would take into account the number of motorists it impacts but also the nature and avoid-ability of those impacts.

I-95 would have been my vote a decade ago, with it having at least 2 serious gaps and many other choke-points and compromises. The elimination of one of those gaps helps matters, but it is still, as a whole, probabally the most badly overtaxed interstate route.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 06, 2021, 07:41:36 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on July 06, 2021, 03:54:25 PM
How does one even measure this? Conceptually its difficult.

If we simply count the number of people that vote for it being their least favorite the title will go to some congested item in the largest city that drives, ie. disqualifying NYC, Los Angeles.

But that is really a meaningless title since it simply has a very small plurality of votes by people who really don't have a clue about the subject.

A more informed opinion would take into account the number of motorists it impacts but also the nature and avoid-ability of those impacts.

I-95 would have been my vote a decade ago, with it having at least 2 serious gaps and many other choke-points and compromises. The elimination of one of those gaps helps matters, but it is still, as a whole, probabally the most badly overtaxed interstate route.

It's opinion based. Not science based.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: HighwayStar on July 06, 2021, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 06, 2021, 07:41:36 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on July 06, 2021, 03:54:25 PM
How does one even measure this? Conceptually its difficult.

If we simply count the number of people that vote for it being their least favorite the title will go to some congested item in the largest city that drives, ie. disqualifying NYC, Los Angeles.

But that is really a meaningless title since it simply has a very small plurality of votes by people who really don't have a clue about the subject.

A more informed opinion would take into account the number of motorists it impacts but also the nature and avoid-ability of those impacts.

I-95 would have been my vote a decade ago, with it having at least 2 serious gaps and many other choke-points and compromises. The elimination of one of those gaps helps matters, but it is still, as a whole, probabally the most badly overtaxed interstate route.

It's opinion based. Not science based.

Being opinion based does not alleviate the need for some sort of framework on understanding the scope/interpretation of the question.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: thspfc on July 06, 2021, 08:07:47 PM
Has to be I-95 because of the sheer number of people who drive it. I imagine most of them hate it.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: M3100 on July 06, 2021, 08:44:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see

Yep. Comments like 'you'll go 4 or 5 mph while driving it' and 'it'll take 4 or 5 hours to get to your destination'...the section near the I-10/I-405 interchange is the worst in my experience...

Meanwhile, I've driven segments of I-95 from time to time but not in the more congested regions. 
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 08:53:36 PM
Quote from: M3100 on July 06, 2021, 08:44:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see

Yep. Comments like 'you'll go 4 or 5 mph while driving it' and 'it'll take 4 or 5 hours to get to your destination'...the section near the I-10/I-405 interchange is the worst in my experience...

Meanwhile, I've driven segments of I-95 from time to time but not in the more congested regions.

A lot of the California road groups are convinced they have the worst freeway congestion in the country.  There isn't a single freeway in California that truly can approach the worst levels of traffic jams seen back east.  Even just a tiny sample of the Miami-Dade area this last month brought back a lot of memories of when I lived there.  It certainly made me appreciate some of the less loved west coast freeways a little more. 
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: SkyPesos on July 06, 2021, 09:03:18 PM
Quote from: M3100 on July 06, 2021, 08:44:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see

Yep. Comments like 'you'll go 4 or 5 mph while driving it' and 'it'll take 4 or 5 hours to get to your destination'...the section near the I-10/I-405 interchange is the worst in my experience...

Meanwhile, I've driven segments of I-95 from time to time but not in the more congested regions. 
495: 405's worse best friend with about the same ego in the east.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Flint1979 on July 06, 2021, 09:37:39 PM
I-405 in LA
I-95 in NYC
I-76 in Philly
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: fillup420 on July 06, 2021, 09:58:17 PM
another vote for 95. In NC its old, boring, narrow, and bumpy in spots. Also full of long-haul traffic bound the FL or the northeast.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 06, 2021, 10:11:18 PM
The PA Turnpike, for its expense.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: sprjus4 on July 07, 2021, 01:14:00 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on July 06, 2021, 09:58:17 PM
another vote for 95. In NC its old, boring, narrow, and bumpy in spots. Also full of long-haul traffic bound the FL or the northeast.
Within a half-decade, at least 50 miles of that will finally be 8 lanes. Will be a nice relief from hundreds of miles of 4 lanes.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Rothman on July 07, 2021, 06:58:12 AM
I-95 or the Borman.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: SSR_317 on July 07, 2021, 05:38:26 PM
How about the WORTHLESS Chicago Skyway, the most expensive (per mile) toll road in the USA? If it didn't connect to the western end of the Indiana Toll Road, this monstrosity would've likely been torn down decades ago!
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 07, 2021, 05:47:02 PM
Quote from: SSR_317 on July 07, 2021, 05:38:26 PM
How about the WORTHLESS Chicago Skyway, the most expensive (per mile) toll road in the USA? If it didn't connect to the western end of the Indiana Toll Road, this monstrosity would've likely been torn down decades ago!

It's still better than shuffling along I-94 during rush hour.  Besides, I like how the backdrop of South Chicago and Gary give me Sonic 2 Oil Ocean vibes.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 07, 2021, 05:54:23 PM
I-95, I-5 for the west coast
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: jp the roadgeek on July 07, 2021, 09:07:13 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on July 06, 2021, 09:03:18 PM
Quote from: M3100 on July 06, 2021, 08:44:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see

Yep. Comments like 'you'll go 4 or 5 mph while driving it' and 'it'll take 4 or 5 hours to get to your destination'...the section near the I-10/I-405 interchange is the worst in my experience...

Meanwhile, I've driven segments of I-95 from time to time but not in the more congested regions. 
495: 405's worse best friend with about the same ego in the east.

Which 495?  I'm assuming you mean the DC Beltway or the LIE. 
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: SkyPesos on July 07, 2021, 09:10:28 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on July 07, 2021, 09:07:13 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on July 06, 2021, 09:03:18 PM
Quote from: M3100 on July 06, 2021, 08:44:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see

Yep. Comments like 'you'll go 4 or 5 mph while driving it' and 'it'll take 4 or 5 hours to get to your destination'...the section near the I-10/I-405 interchange is the worst in my experience...

Meanwhile, I've driven segments of I-95 from time to time but not in the more congested regions. 
495: 405's worse best friend with about the same ego in the east.

Which 495?  I'm assuming you mean the DC Beltway or the LIE.
Either works. Like how there's both LA and Seattle for 405.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 07, 2021, 09:18:47 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 06, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
Interstate 238 is probably a strong contender for the title in the roadgeek world.  I would probably say Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway from the comments I see from the comments from normals on Facebook groups.  There is FAR worse than the 405 reality through.

Another two contenders for the roadgeek world: I-180 in either Wyoming or Illinois. The former needs to be a freeway and the latter doesn't!
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 07, 2021, 10:36:24 PM
I don't think that this thread is talking about the roadgeek world.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Love2drive on July 07, 2021, 11:31:47 PM
Atlanta's Downtown Connector
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: keithvh on July 08, 2021, 12:47:44 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 07, 2021, 06:58:12 AM
I-95 or the Borman.

Oh Dear God --- the Borman.  Honestly, I think that's the winner in terms of (1) pure misery and (2) the number of Americans who have been exposed to it.

At least with something like I-95, there are some users of it who love it.  It's not bad for it's ENTIRE 1,908 mile length.  Parts of the route through Maine, for instance, are downright deserted. 

Similar for most other roads.  Even the 405 has its utility and isn't that bad if you're simply driving it to cross the Valley or drive Redondo Beach to Huntingdon Beach or something like that.

--------------

But the Borman.  I can't imagine there is ANY American who has journeyed that freeway that enjoys it at all.

It is 12 miles of misery, the entire length from the Illinois state line to the I-65 split.  For 12 miles, all the traffic from the northeast to Chicago, from the southeast to Chicago, from the southern Lakes to the Great Plains --- it all has to get together on the Borman. 

And for that 12 miles, it's wall-to-wall semis!  And all of the lane weavers!  Even when they aren't lane weaving, 40%+ of the folk aren't in the correct lanes anyway, particularly the trucks that like to line up left to right across 5 lanes at a time!  Then the I-65 interchange when traveling from the west, the traffic stacks up rather dangerously there!  Oh yeah, the speed limit is only 55!  Although the actual range of speeds on that road ranges from 5 to 90!  Nothing dangerous about that! 

I imagine that in hell, Satan has 100% arranged it such that any commute must take a road that is like the Borman.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 01:39:53 AM
I-90 and I-80 have to be up there.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on July 08, 2021, 03:32:57 AM
Quote from: keithvh on July 08, 2021, 12:47:44 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 07, 2021, 06:58:12 AM
I-95 or the Borman.

Oh Dear God --- the Borman.  Honestly, I think that's the winner in terms of (1) pure misery and (2) the number of Americans who have been exposed to it.

At least with something like I-95, there are some users of it who love it.  It's not bad for it's ENTIRE 1,908 mile length.  Parts of the route through Maine, for instance, are downright deserted. 

Similar for most other roads.  Even the 405 has its utility and isn't that bad if you're simply driving it to cross the Valley or drive Redondo Beach to Huntingdon Beach or something like that.

--------------

But the Borman.  I can't imagine there is ANY American who has journeyed that freeway that enjoys it at all.

It is 12 miles of misery, the entire length from the Illinois state line to the I-65 split.  For 12 miles, all the traffic from the northeast to Chicago, from the southeast to Chicago, from the southern Lakes to the Great Plains --- it all has to get together on the Borman. 

And for that 12 miles, it's wall-to-wall semis!  And all of the lane weavers!  Even when they aren't lane weaving, 40%+ of the folk aren't in the correct lanes anyway, particularly the trucks that like to line up left to right across 5 lanes at a time!  Then the I-65 interchange when traveling from the west, the traffic stacks up rather dangerously there!  Oh yeah, the speed limit is only 55!  Although the actual range of speeds on that road ranges from 5 to 90!  Nothing dangerous about that! 

I imagine that in hell, Satan has 100% arranged it such that any commute must take a road that is like the Borman.

For me, it's the Borman as well! Is there was any way that we could avoid the mess of the Borman, especially right now with all of the darn construction? Oh wait, the Illiana Expressway should've been built by now to relieve that traffic...  :pan:
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: CapeCodder on July 12, 2021, 03:25:16 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on July 06, 2021, 03:54:25 PM
How does one even measure this? Conceptually its difficult.

If we simply count the number of people that vote for it being their least favorite the title will go to some congested item in the largest city that drives, ie. disqualifying NYC, Los Angeles.

But that is really a meaningless title since it simply has a very small plurality of votes by people who really don't have a clue about the subject.

A more informed opinion would take into account the number of motorists it impacts but also the nature and avoid-ability of those impacts.

I-95 would have been my vote a decade ago, with it having at least 2 serious gaps and many other choke-points and compromises. The elimination of one of those gaps helps matters, but it is still, as a whole, probabally the most badly overtaxed interstate route.

Where is the second gap?
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: HighwayStar on July 12, 2021, 03:39:16 PM
Washington DC. Although the beltway is signed as I-95 its not the actual place I-95 should be. You can see the stub on the north side where it hits the beltway.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: vdeane on July 12, 2021, 07:35:48 PM
I think they should fill in the gap on I-90 to make it a coast to coast interstate!  :bigass:
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2021, 07:41:29 PM
Has anyone mentioned I-4?
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 08:07:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2021, 07:41:29 PM
Has anyone mentioned I-4?
It's only in Florida.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2021, 08:14:00 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 08:07:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2021, 07:41:29 PM
Has anyone mentioned I-4?
It's only in Florida.

Yes, and it highly despised by about everyone. 
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: SkyPesos on July 12, 2021, 08:19:03 PM
Since I-75 haven't been mentioned yet, I'll do the honors right now.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Are we just naming every long interstate?
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2021, 09:31:20 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Are we just naming every long interstate?

I-4 isn't long but has several hated stretches like Malfunction Junction and downtown Orlando.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: bing101 on July 13, 2021, 12:47:35 AM
I-80 the section from Hercules to Downtown San Francisco gets attention for traffic jams and hated in the Bay Area.I-880 Oakland and San Jose because the freeway goes from the Port of Oakland to Downtown San Jose.
I-710 Los Angeles area because of the 710 gap and the port of Long Beach traffic.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: CapeCodder on July 13, 2021, 05:14:55 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on July 12, 2021, 03:39:16 PM
Washington DC. Although the beltway is signed as I-95 its not the actual place I-95 should be. You can see the stub on the north side where it hits the beltway.

You're right. I was having a total ADD moment.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on July 13, 2021, 09:24:52 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 07, 2021, 05:47:02 PM
Quote from: SSR_317 on July 07, 2021, 05:38:26 PM
How about the WORTHLESS Chicago Skyway, the most expensive (per mile) toll road in the USA? If it didn't connect to the western end of the Indiana Toll Road, this monstrosity would've likely been torn down decades ago!

It's still better than shuffling along I-94 during rush hour.  Besides, I like how the backdrop of South Chicago and Gary give me Sonic 2 Oil Ocean vibes.

It's really both. People hate the Skyway because of the cost. People hate the Borman and Ford because of the massive congestion due to people avoiding the cost of the Skyway.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Henry on July 13, 2021, 10:31:46 AM
Quote from: CapeCodder on July 12, 2021, 03:25:16 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on July 06, 2021, 03:54:25 PM
How does one even measure this? Conceptually its difficult.

If we simply count the number of people that vote for it being their least favorite the title will go to some congested item in the largest city that drives, ie. disqualifying NYC, Los Angeles.

But that is really a meaningless title since it simply has a very small plurality of votes by people who really don't have a clue about the subject.

A more informed opinion would take into account the number of motorists it impacts but also the nature and avoid-ability of those impacts.

I-95 would have been my vote a decade ago, with it having at least 2 serious gaps and many other choke-points and compromises. The elimination of one of those gaps helps matters, but it is still, as a whole, probabally the most badly overtaxed interstate route.

Where is the second gap?
Quote from: HighwayStar on July 12, 2021, 03:39:16 PM
Washington DC. Although the beltway is signed as I-95 its not the actual place I-95 should be. You can see the stub on the north side where it hits the beltway.
Make that three gaps, because in Boston, I-95 was also supposed to go straight through instead of around it on MA 128 like it does now. And IIRC, there's a rail line within the intended corridor that would've run in the median, if not to the side. In fact, the south end of the cancelled segment is a stub that extends for a few hundred feet before ending in the woods.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: sprjus4 on July 13, 2021, 12:29:02 PM
^ In a way. I-95 was also supposed to travel closer to Fayetteville, NC, but ultimately was built further east. A freeway segment on the northern end of I-95 Business through represents this originally intention.
Title: Re: The Most Hated Freeway in America
Post by: Flint1979 on July 13, 2021, 05:16:25 PM
The Cross Bronx Expressway