Most Harrowing Highways

[texaskdog]

I liked US-14a in the Bighorns, but don't recall it being that bad.

[agentsteel53]

I just remembered this one: US-18 between Oglala and Pine Ridge, SD.  one and a half lanes, some of the least smooth gravel I've ever driven on, and absolutely no markings for some sudden lane shifts preceding immediate dropoffs.  it's one of those perpetual "construction" zones that doesn't actually seem to ever get built. 

this has led to at least one fatal accident:
http://www.indianz.com/News/2011/000035.asp

my guess is the driver failed to see an unmarked lane shift coming and pitched into the open hole.  I'm astonished this hasn't led to some major lawsuit.  the accident happened November of 2010, and in July of 2011 when I drove the road, it remained completely unsigned. 

[texaskdog]

I just remembered this one: US-18 between Oglala and Pine Ridge, SD.  one and a half lanes, some of the least smooth gravel I've ever driven on, and absolutely no markings for some sudden lane shifts preceding immediate dropoffs.  it's one of those perpetual "construction" zones that doesn't actually seem to ever get built. 

this has led to at least one fatal accident:
http://www.indianz.com/News/2011/000035.asp

my guess is the driver failed to see an unmarked lane shift coming and pitched into the open hole.  I'm astonished this hasn't led to some major lawsuit.  the accident happened November of 2010, and in July of 2011 when I drove the road, it remained completely unsigned. 

Poorest county in the nation

[spmkam]

Bronx River Parkway at night (Westchester Section). 2 lanes that are about as wide as 1 lane, no visibility and crazy s curves with 20 mph limits and stop lights. makes the Merritt look like a Texas freeway.

[OCGuy81]

I'd say the road to Hana on Maui.  A lot of one way bridges the locals are known to attempt to pass people on.  Also on the big island of Hawaii, HI-19 north of Hilo.  A lot of the road hugs coastal cliffs.

And the saddle road, which bisects the big island.  A lot of rental car contracts are voided driving on it.

[oscar]

And the saddle road, which bisects the big island.  A lot of rental car contracts are voided driving on it.

Most of it has been replaced with a nice new road, 2-lane but posted at 50 or 55 mph.  Another section to open later this year will bypass the dreadful westernmost 10 miles, not only with a better road but also a more direct route to Kailua-Kona. 

[OCGuy81]

Most of it has been replaced with a nice new road, 2-lane but posted at 50 or 55 mph.  Another section to open later this year will bypass the dreadful westernmost 10 miles, not only with a better road but also a more direct route to Kailua-Kona. 

Good to know! It's been a long while since I've been to the big island.  I'll have to try taking 200 next time I'm there.