Right now there is the "Graceful, Elegant-Flowing Freeways." I'm looking for the polar opposite. What is the most congested, and/or eyesore highway you know of?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F40729000%2Fjpg%2F_40729105_rail-afp-300x220.jpg&hash=5c8f2681e627e7c5ee7605993c9a61f16ce77e5f)
Quote from: intelati49 on October 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
Right now there is the "Graceful, Elegant-Flowing Freeways." I'm looking for the polar opposite. What is the most congested, and/or eyesore highway you know of?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F40729000%2Fjpg%2F_40729105_rail-afp-300x220.jpg&hash=5c8f2681e627e7c5ee7605993c9a61f16ce77e5f)
what am I looking at in that picture?
I've always thought the San Diego airport access freeway had far too many traffic lights.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on October 03, 2011, 01:43:25 PM
Quote from: intelati49 on October 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
Right now there is the "Graceful, Elegant-Flowing Freeways." I'm looking for the polar opposite. What is the most congested, and/or eyesore highway you know of?
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what am I looking at in that picture?
I've always thought the San Diego airport access freeway had far too many traffic lights.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4180689.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4180689.stm) Third Picture in slide show. Earthquake damage.
For many years, the freeway portion of CA-23 was terrible. Poorly maintained and overrun with gridlock traffic. It's gotten better recently, but still a pretty bad freeway during many times of the day.
Quote from: intelati49 on October 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
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Hmmm... that looks like earthquake damage from the Kobe earthquake in Japan some years ago. Not sure if that's an appropriate example of the-worst-of-freeways... yes it was poorly designed (a surprise given Japan's high standards for this type of structure) but it was a result of a natural disaster.
Quote from: myosh_tino on October 03, 2011, 03:39:00 PM
Quote from: intelati49 on October 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F40729000%2Fjpg%2F_40729105_rail-afp-300x220.jpg&hash=5c8f2681e627e7c5ee7605993c9a61f16ce77e5f)
Hmmm... that looks like earthquake damage from the Kobe earthquake in Japan some years ago. Not sure if that's an appropriate example of the-worst-of-freeways... yes it was poorly designed (a surprise given Japan's high standards for this type of structure) but it was a result of a natural disaster.
I was Kidding :-D
Quote from: intelati49 on October 03, 2011, 03:43:25 PM
Quote from: myosh_tino on October 03, 2011, 03:39:00 PM
Quote from: intelati49 on October 03, 2011, 12:32:30 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F40729000%2Fjpg%2F_40729105_rail-afp-300x220.jpg&hash=5c8f2681e627e7c5ee7605993c9a61f16ce77e5f)
Hmmm... that looks like earthquake damage from the Kobe earthquake in Japan some years ago. Not sure if that's an appropriate example of the-worst-of-freeways... yes it was poorly designed (a surprise given Japan's high standards for this type of structure) but it was a result of a natural disaster.
I was Kidding :-D
As someone who lived through the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and saw images of the collapsed I-880 freeway in Oakland many, many times, I really didn't find it very funny. :-( Sorry for sounding like a wet blanket but things like this kind of hit close to home.
The Sure-kill Expressway (I-76).
The one that most readily comes to mind is the Gowanus in Brooklyn. Elevated road is ugly, ancient design with sharp turns from on- and off-ramps, road is bumpy, the portion from the Prospect Expressway to the Battery Tunnel is always jammed and is even uglier than the rest (if that's possible)....overall one of the roads I like the least of most of the ones I've used often.
I would nominate the Alaskan Viaduct in Seattle. Designed in the early 1950's, maybe earlier. Horrible exits, no acceleration lanes etc. So dangerous and ugly that is very unique and exciting in a wierd way.
I-99, but not because of congestion/aesthetics. Need I say more?
Palmetto Expressway (FL 826), aka the "Chucklehead Expressway". Widened in the late-1990s, but always congested, full of drivers going any speed in any lane they wish, trucks in the left lane going 50 mph. You're guaranteed to come to a complete halt at least four times during rush hour, maybe more if it's raining. Drab, ugly scenery, and boring to drive on (just one curve). The road I dread driving on.
The Ike between the Avenues and Central Ave. Those two left exits (Harlem & Austin) cause congestion that backs up for miles in either directions.
I-5 in PDX has so many poor sections that it would be hard to single out one and say "that'll do".
Rick
Quote from: PennDOTFan on October 03, 2011, 04:18:13 PM
The Sure-kill Expressway (I-76).
No duh...I grew up there, and it was a guaranteed thrill-a-minute. No improvement they've made has managed to get it under control. Every time they redeck the viaduct over the Schuylkill between the University Avenue and Grays Ferry Avenue exits it goes to hell within a couple of years. Badly needs extra lanes between City Avenue and King of Prussia; REALLY badly needs extra lanes under the Old Post Office/30th Street but I don't expect to see either in my lifetime.
Another one I just remembered...Anacostia Freeway in DC, especially the old Kenilworth Avenue section...if there's anything worse than the Sure-Kill, that's it!
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 03, 2011, 05:51:35 PM
The one that most readily comes to mind is the Gowanus in Brooklyn. Elevated road is ugly, ancient design with sharp turns from on- and off-ramps, road is bumpy, the portion from the Prospect Expressway to the Battery Tunnel is always jammed and is even uglier than the rest (if that's possible)....overall one of the roads I like the least of most of the ones I've used often.
Maybe it's just me, but I find a certain charm in older freeways I kinda like the 'challenge' with those tighter shoulders and shorter ramps. But then I don't have drive one regularly if I drove I-94 in Detroit everyday I'd probably hate its guts
Quote from: Michael on October 03, 2011, 06:38:06 PM
I-99, but not because of congestion/aesthetics. Need I say more?
Nah, I-238.
CA 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway is the worst.
Schuylkill definitely high up there as well, but we can all agree that congestion wise it's definitely I-405 between I-10 and US 101.
I would have to say the Cross-Bronx Expressway (I-95). It is too narrow for its current traffic flow, and the interchanges, especially that with the Major Deegan Expressway, are obsolete. Just take one lane out of commission on the GWB, and you are guaranteed an hour's delay on the CBE, even at noon. I know, since had to sit through such a backup this past August.
Quote from: JohnnyH1972 on October 04, 2011, 06:30:54 AM
I would have to say the Cross-Bronx Expressway (I-95). It is too narrow for its current traffic flow, and the interchanges, especially that with the Major Deegan Expressway, are obsolete. Just take one lane out of commission on the GWB, and you are guaranteed an hour's delay on the CBE, even at noon. I know, since had to sit through such a backup this past August.
I've endured that bottleneck many times.
Seems then most of Montreal freeways like A-40 between Decarie autoroute and A-25 would fit this category nicely.
Quote from: Michael on October 03, 2011, 06:38:06 PM
I-99, but not because of congestion/aesthetics. Need I say more?
While I'm guessing you're obviously just referring to the numbering controversy (which I think there are other thread(s) for), in PA it probably qualifies for the "Best of Freeways" (The current lack of a proper interchange with I-76 or I-80 notwithstanding). PennDOT probably should've went ahead and added a 3rd northbound truck-climbing-lane north of the US-322 interchange in Port Matilda, but that's just picking nits.
Of course, PA is home to the (properly numbered) I-70 stretch between New Stanton & Washington (PA); certainly among the "Worst of Freeways".
Also, this feels like deja vu. We haven't had a "Worst of Freeways" thread until now???
Quote from: MichiganDriver on October 04, 2011, 12:41:19 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 03, 2011, 05:51:35 PM
The one that most readily comes to mind is the Gowanus in Brooklyn. Elevated road is ugly, ancient design with sharp turns from on- and off-ramps, road is bumpy, the portion from the Prospect Expressway to the Battery Tunnel is always jammed and is even uglier than the rest (if that's possible)....overall one of the roads I like the least of most of the ones I've used often.
Maybe it's just me, but I find a certain charm in older freeways I kinda like the 'challenge' with those tighter shoulders and shorter ramps. But then I don't have drive one regularly if I drove I-94 in Detroit everyday I'd probably hate its guts
I can agree with this on
some older ones, such as some of New York's parkways, or perhaps the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways might be ideal examples, but I think there are other older ones that simply break down under the modern traffic load and the Gowanus is in the latter category for me because it doesn't have any particularly scenic aspects that redeem it. Plus, quite frankly, every time I drive on it I wonder if it will become the next West Side Highway.
My nomination is I-94 through the Michigan cities of Allen Park and Taylor, there is one interchange (exit 200 at Ecorse Road) where traffic entering the freeway must merge to the left. This road was a lot worse in the past, where exit 202 (U.S. 24 (Telegraph Road)) also had traffic merging onto the left until it was rebuilt into a SPUI in the mid-2000's, while the interchange with M-39 (Southfield Freeway; exit 204) also had traffic merging onto the left many years ago. Not sure when the I-94/M-39 interchange was rebuilt.
Since I don't live in a big city by most people's standards, but I'd still like to nominate I-74 throughout Bettendorf (IA) and Moline (IL). It's still two lanes either direction and a lot of people live in IA and work in IL. Thankfully they're expanding it to 3 lanes/direction and the bridge to 4, but nobody knows when that's going to get done.
I would nominate the Red Mountain Expressway in Birmingham. No acceleration lanes to merge at some exits, no shoulders, rusted out guard rails and light poles, and old signage (many signs being replaced with clear view)
Quote from: pianocello on October 04, 2011, 05:30:07 PM
Since I don't live in a big city by most people's standards, but I'd still like to nominate I-74 throughout Bettendorf (IA) and Moline (IL). It's still two lanes either direction and a lot of people live in IA and work in IL. Thankfully they're expanding it to 3 lanes/direction and the bridge to 4, but nobody knows when that's going to get done.
I don't recall that section of I-74 being too bad except around the Mississippi crossing due to short merges, a lack of a shoulder, and maybe moderate slowdowns on the bridges at rush hour (which I have only been through once).
My nominations:
* The Kennedy (I-90) in Chicago from the disaster of the Circle to Ohio Street - Seems to have at least one direction congested 24/7, and the section just north of the Circle needs a redesign with one-way frontage roads, braided ramps, express lanes without any access in the area, or some combination of them.
* The Edens (I-94) from I-90 to the Edens Spur off the Tri-State - Seems to have poor drainage, short merges from tight loops, and enough incomplete interchanges one would think it had been built by the toll authority.
Quote from: Revive 755 on October 04, 2011, 07:39:03 PM
* The Kennedy (I-90) in Chicago from the disaster of the Circle to Ohio Street - Seems to have at least one direction congested 24/7, and the section just north of the Circle needs a redesign with one-way frontage roads, braided ramps, express lanes without any access in the area, or some combination of them.
Weekend mornings it's always been a smooth drive for me.
US 23 in Delaware, OH – because it's too short. It should be a freeway from Worthington to Waldo.
Serously, though, I think central Ohio has done okay with improving deficient freeways. The Spring-Sandusky Interchange and the North Innerbelt have already been upgraded to version 2.0, and the rest of the Innerbelt will be rebuilt over the next decade or so...
Ca 91- Through Santa Ana Canyon, also through downtown Riverside.
Ca 60- Through Moreno Valley. Really needs to be wider then 2 lanes eachway
Ca 14 From Sand Canyon to Palmdale Blvd. That freeway should be atleast 3-4 lanes eachway plus the carpool lane.
Infact I think when adding a carpool lane to a freeway, there should be a law that the freeway has to have atleast 3 main lanes, and if not then the 3rd lane has to be added.
QuoteI-5 in PDX has so many poor sections that it would be hard to single out one and say "that'll do".
Very true. I'm not a fan of driving in Portland, and usually opt for the MAX if I'm in town and have business downtown.
The two worst that come to mind is I-5 through the Terwilliger Curves and the Delta Park choke point where it goes to two lanes. I think it does the same after the north 405 split too.
US 26 seems like a bad stretch of road too. I remember locals saying that inbound 26 is bad morning or evening. Always a congested spot through the tunnels. Pretty drive inbound, though.
Choke point at Delta Park's gone.
Terwilliger Curves are a nuisance during the rush hours, but with Barbur running parallel to the freeway, it's moreless a non-issue.
Sunset (especially inbound) is mostly a problem because of the interchange with I-405, not the tunnel. The 50 mph limit on the Canyon Rd duplex doesn't help, especially with cars riding the brakes all the way down the hill.
The true problematic point in Portland is the Eastbank Freeway and the Banfield ramps.
QuoteChoke point at Delta Park's gone.
That's good to hear. Are they still looking to replace the drawbridge on the 5 between Portland and Vancouver, WA?
Quote from: vtk on October 05, 2011, 02:31:55 AMUS 23 in Delaware, OH – because it's too short. It should be a freeway from Worthington to Waldo.
I'll echo that one. A horrible lack of foresight on ODOT's part by not obtaining sufficient ROW to expand US 23 in place when it was built, or obtaining it before development made it economically infeasible to do so.
Quote from: JREwing78 on October 05, 2011, 11:37:26 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 05, 2011, 02:31:55 AMUS 23 in Delaware, OH because it's too short. It should be a freeway from Worthington to Waldo.
I'll echo that one. A horrible lack of foresight on ODOT's part by not obtaining sufficient ROW to expand US 23 in place when it was built, or obtaining it before development made it economically infeasible to do so.
Damn shame they couldn't see Delaware County's population quadrupling between the time US 23 was completed (1965) to today (42,749 in 1965; 174,214 as of 2010).
That and everybody wants highways, but refuses to give, err sell, their land for said project.
Quote from: pianocello on October 04, 2011, 05:30:07 PM
Since I don't live in a big city by most people's standards, but I'd still like to nominate I-74 throughout Bettendorf (IA) and Moline (IL). It's still two lanes either direction and a lot of people live in IA and work in IL. Thankfully they're expanding it to 3 lanes/direction and the bridge to 4, but nobody knows when that's going to get done.
I drove that numerous times last year and I can reasonably say I've been on far worse. And it sucks about the bridge, as it'll probably just get replaced with some run of the mill thing.
Want a bad freeway? MA 128 east of I-95, between Peabody and Gloucester...is perhaps the biggest piece of shit I've ever been on. It's worse than I-70 in Washington County, PA.
I-35 through Austin where it splits to an upper and lower section. That road blows.