California’s highway system is a sprawling network essential to the movement of people and goods across the state, and the performance of these routes varies significantly. From the breezy scenic routes to the congested thoroughfares, each highway carries its own unique story and challenges. This article examines 25 notable freeways and state routes, ranking their effectiveness based on speed, delays, productivity loss, and safety outcomes, revealing both the best and worst of California’s divided highways.
To start with, State Route 261 is a standout option for commuters, covering 6.2 breezy miles that connect Irvine to State Route 241. This short toll road boasts an impressive score of 654, with an average speed of 66 mph — the fastest among the reviewed routes. It also experiences minimal delays, ranking second least for that category, along with a remarkable safety record with zero fatal crashes in 2022.
Closely trailing is the 90 Freeway, which spans 12.1 miles from Marina del Rey to Culver City and La Habra to Anaheim Hills. It scored 631, providing an average speed of 63 mph, making it the third fastest out of the 25 examined. Notably, this freeway registers the fewest delays and lost productivity among the routes, and it also recorded zero fatal crashes in 2022. However, its aesthetic appeal is mixed, as it carries a somewhat troubled history tied to its original plans and renaming.
State Route 241, measuring 24.5 miles from Yorba Linda to Rancho Santa Margarita, presents lovely landscapes and scenic views, though its performance is less impressive with a score of 552. Despite an average speed of 64 mph, it ranks lower in terms of delays and productivity loss, indicating it struggles under the weight of commuter traffic despite its visual appeal.
Then, there is State Route 126, which covers 40.5 miles from Ventura to Santa Clarita. With a score of 538, its average speed of 58 mph is on the slower end. The route has its charming segments that give it a country road feel, winding through small towns, yet faces challenges with delays and productivity losses.
Among the longer routes, the 15 Freeway stands out at 293.6 miles, running all the way from San Diego to the Nevada border. Scoring 537, it offers an average speed of 59 mph and is essential for those heading to Las Vegas. However, its ranks for delays and lost productivity reflect its status as a necessary but congested passageway.
On the other end of the spectrum is State Route 73, stretching 18 miles from San Juan Capistrano to Costa Mesa, scoring a low 480. It provides picturesque coastal views but struggles with high levels of delays and productivity loss, alongside a slight safety record with one fatal crash in 2022.
State Route 118 measures 48 miles from Ventura to Lake View Terrace and received a score of 317. With an average speed of 61 mph, it experiences several delays and difficulties with productivity loss. The aesthetic beauty of its surrounding landscapes isn’t matched by its performance ratings.
State Route 71, at 16.5 miles connecting Corona to Pomona, scored only 288. Its average speed of 60 mph and moderate levels of delays and fatal crashes depict a freeway that is better appreciated for its scenery rather than performance.
State Route 170, a smaller 7.6-mile freeway from Toluca Lake to Sun Valley, scored 147. Although its average speed is comparable at 62 mph, significant delays and lost productivity figures compromise its effectiveness.
The 5 Freeway, covering 132.9 miles from Santa Clarita to San Clemente, offers a mixed experience with a distressed score of 132. Not only is it one of the slowest routes, averaging 56 mph, but it also suffers from numerous delays and an unfortunate record of 83 fatal crashes in 2022.
State Route 134, a 13.3-mile stretch from Toluca Lake to Pasadena, has a modest score of 113 with an average speed of 58 mph. With a fairly low count of fatal crashes, this route nevertheless faces delays that challenge commuters.
State Route 22, extending 14.7 miles from Long Beach to Orange, scores painfully low at 10. Averages of 58 mph and a history of six fatal crashes indicate significant safety concerns as well as challenges with delays.
The 105 Freeway, measuring 18.1 miles from El Segundo to Norwalk, has a disheartening score of -2, exposing ongoing issues related to delays, lost productivity, and safety with 12 fatal crashes reported in 2022.
Following closely is the 210 Freeway, which traverses 85.6 miles from Santa Clarita to Redlands, scoring -16. Despite its significant length, it has been criticized for its inefficiencies, with high fatal crashes and a reputation that continues to haunt its reputation.
On another note, 215 Freeway presents a lengthy 55.1 miles stretch from Murrieta to San Bernardino, scoring -50. Known for its identity crises over the years, it has its shares of challenges including considerable delays and fatalities.
The 101 Freeway, which covers 83.1 miles from Boyle Heights to Ventura and continues north, is marked with a score of -102, revealing similar struggles with speed and safety as it courses through the heart of Los Angeles.
Conversely, State Route 55, at 17.9 miles between Newport Beach and Orange, scores negatively at -180. Its average of 57 mph, along with delays and safety records, define the struggles of this regional route.
Soaring to a remarkable -190 in rating, State Route 60 covers 70.6 miles, linking East L.A. to Beaumont. Despite its necessity for suburbia, it’s held back by delays and fatal crashes — a grim reality of urban planning.
State Route 57 follows, also experiencing a difficult -190 score across its 24.1-mile span from Orange to Glendora. Issues with delays and safety further contribute to its perceived troubles.
Reaching similarly low outcomes, the 110 (Harbor) Freeway spans 31.8 miles connecting San Pedro to Pasadena, scoring -350. Despite its designation as one of the first freeways, it has been beset by delays and safety challenges.
The 710 (Long Beach) Freeway, at 24.2 miles long, brings a score of -450. Its critical function in facilitating commerce hasn’t spared it from the congestion it faces on a daily basis, compounded by numerous fatal incidents.
Lastly, the 91 (Riverside) Freeway scores a stark -470 across its 59.1 miles connecting Long Beach to Buena Park. This route is notorious for its traffic congestion while balancing the demands of commerce and travel.
At the more troublesome end of the list, the 405 Freeway spans an extensive 72.8 miles from San Fernando to Irvine, ending with an even more compromised score of -500. This route is often mentioned in frustration due to its consistent delays another high fatal crash count.
Finally, the disheartening 605 (San Gabriel River) Freeway measures 28.1 miles and suffered a score of -600. Chronic delays and safety concerns plague this route that nonetheless serves as a necessary conduit through densely populated regions.
At the lowest point is the 10 Freeway, measuring 46.8 miles of nightmarish travel across urban landscapes. Its score -1300 reflects not only the slow moving average of 52 mph but also the overwhelming delays and highest fatal crash count in 2022.
In conclusion, the landscape of highways and freeways in California serves as a testament to the balancing act of efficiency, productivity, aesthetics, and safety. With some routes standing out for their effectiveness, others persist in grappling with traffic woes and safety issues, painting a complex picture of the Golden State’s transportation infrastructure.
image source from：latimes
