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California Highways

Highway Statistics (Page 3)

Oh, The Traffic!

 
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This page looks at the traffic in California: busiest and quietest routes, and so forth. Note that the latest traffic numbers I have are from 1992-1993. The following statistics are on this page:

Busiest California Highways, based on Average Daily Traffic

The highways listed below have the highest high average daily traffic, as of 1993:

1. [I] I-10: 363,000.
I-10 runs from Santa Monica to the Arizona Border, through Downtown Los Angeles.		 6. [I] / [CA] I-110/CA 110: 286,000
I-110 runs from the Port of Los Angeles to downtown Los Angeles. Route 110 runs from downtown LA to Pasadena. The first freeway in California.
2. [I] I-405: 325,000.
I-405 runs from southern Orange County (near Irvine) to the northern San Fernando Valley, in Los Angeles.		 7. [CA] Route 91: 271,000.
Route 91 runs from the beach communities such as Redondo Beach through Orange County to Riverside.
3. {US] US 101: 308,000.
US 101 runs from downtown Los Angeles, through Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Jose, San Francisco, Marin, and Redwood Country. It is freeway in Southern California, and the greater San Jose/San Francisco area.		 8. [I] I-8: 258,000.
I-8 runs from the Arizona border at the southern end of the state to San Diego.
4. [I] I-5: 299,000.
I-5 is the backbone of California, running from Mexico to the Oregon border. Major urban areas traversed include San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.		 9. [I] I-210: 256,000.
I-210 runs along the northern foothills of Los Angeles, from near the I-5/I-405 junction, through Pasadena, on to Pomona. It will eventually run to San Bernadino when the Route 30 freeway is completed and renumbered as part of I-210.
5. [I] I-580: 286,000.
I-580 runs from Vernalis to Oakland, through Livermore. It is a main connector between I-5 and the San Francisco area.		 10. [I] I-80: 250,000
I-80 is the major northern E/W freeway, running from the Nevada border to San Francisco, through Sacramento.

The runner-ups, in order: I-605, Route 60, Route 57, Route 134, I-15, I-280, Route 55, I-710, Route 22, I-880.

Least Busy California Highways, based on Average Daily Traffic

The highways below have the the lowest high average daily traffic, as of 1993. Unconstructed highways are excluded.

1. [CA] Route 266: 70-110.
Route 266 is a 12-mile route in eastern Mono county, providing a short loop near Oasis.		 6. [CA] Route 136: 200-500.
Route 136 runs from US 395 near Lone Pine to Route 190 near Keeler in Inyo county.
2. [CA] Route 172: 110-270.
Route 172 is a 9-mile loop route in Tehama county, running between Mineral and Morgan Summit.		 7. [CA] Route 284: 510.
Route 284 runs from Route 70 near Chilcoot to the Frenchmans Reservoir in Plumas county.
3. [CA] Route 270: 350.
Route 270 is the way to Bodie State Historic Park from US 395 in Mono County.		 8. [CA] Route 207: 540.
Route 207 runs from Route 4 near Lake Alpine to the Mt. Reba Ski Area in Alpine county.
4. [CA] Route 167: 360-410.
Route 167 runs from Mono Lake to the Nevada state line in Mono County.		 9. [CA] Route 220: 300-830.
Route 220 runs from Route 84 on Ryer Island to Route 160 in Sacramento county.
5. [CA] Route 229: 100-500.
This routing has been deleted; in 1992, in ran from Route 58 near Santa Margarita to Route 41 near Creston.		 10. [CA] Route 271: 90-980.
This is a former segment of US 101; it runs from Cummings to the Humboldt-Mendocino county line.

Most Variable Traffic

The highways listed below have the greatest percentage variance in their ADT, as of 1993:

1. [CA] Route 2: 310 to 130,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 41,834.5%
Route 2 runs from Santa Monica to Route 138. It includes major city streets (Santa Monica Blvd), freeways (Glendale Freeway), and a highway through the mountains (Angeles Crest Highway)		 6. [CA] Route 299: 150 to 44,500 vehicles/day, for a growth of 29,565.7%
Route 299 (former US 299) runs in far northern California, from US 101 to the Nevada state line. I don't know where the low and high traffic points are.
2. [CA] Route 39: 150 to 61,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 40,565.7%
Route 39 runs from Huntington Beach through San Gabriel Canyon. It includes major city streets as well as a pass over the mountain.		 7. [CA] Route 41: 460 to 112,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 24,246.8%
Route 41 runs from Route 1 to Yosemite National Park. It is a major freeway in Fresno; the low is probably is either in the section from Shandon to Atascadero or from Atascadero to Morro Bay. These sections are little-used, winding country roads.
3. [CA] Route 168: 200 to 79,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 39,399.0%
Route 168 runs from Fresno to Route 266 near the Nevada border. The high traffic is in Fresno; the low across the Sierras.		 8. [CA] Route 84: 240 to 57,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 23,649.0%
Route 84 runs from Route 1 to I-80. Some portions are quite rural; others quite urban.
4. [CA] Route 4: 240 to 91,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 37,815.7%
Route 4 runs from I-80 to Route 89 near Markleville. The high traffic is in the segment from I-80 to Stockton; the low in Gold Country.		 9. [CA] Route 58: 290 to 63,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 21,623.1%
Route 58 runs from US 101 to I-15/I-40. The segment between Barstow and Bakersfield is a major trucking route.
5. [CA] Route 178: 180 to 58,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 32,121.2%
Route 178 runs from Bakersfield to Freeman via Walker Pass. The high traffic is in Bakersfield; the low is likely over the pass or in the high desert.		 10. [CA] Route 94: 800 to 172,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 21,399.0%
Route 94 runs between I-5 and I-8 in San Diego. This is the ML King and Campo Freeways. I have no explanation for the low number.

Most Constant Traffic

The highways listed below have the least percentage variance in their ADT, as of 1993. Highways with no traffic are excluded, as are highways for which my source documented provided only a single number.

1. [CA] Route 330: 8,500 to 9,500 vehicles/day, for a growth of 10.8%
Route 330 runs from Route 30 (eventually I-210) near Highland northeasterly to Route 18.		 5. [I] I-380: 113,000 to 131,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 14.9%
I-380 runs from Route 1 near Pacifica to the San Francisco International Airport, but the segment from Route 1 to I-280 is unconstructed.
2. [CA] Route 167: 360 to 410 vehicles/day, for a growth of 12.9%
Route 167 runs from US 395 north of Mono Lake to the Nevada state line in the vicinity of the Pole Line Road. A road with constant low traffic.		 6. [CA] Route 219: 12,200 to 14,300 vehicles/day, for a growth of 16.2%
Route 219 runs from Route 99 at Salida easterly to Route 108.
3. [CA] Route 77: 15,000 to 17,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 13.0%
Route 77 runs from I-880 near 42nd Avenue to Route 24 near Lafayette.		 7. [CA] Route 197: 1,600 to 1,950 vehicles/day, for a growth of 20.9%
Route 197 runs from Route 199 to Route 101 staying north of the Smith River.
[I] I-205: 57,000 to 65,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 13.0%
I-205 runs from I-580 west of Tracy to I-5 east of Tracy.		 8. [CA] Route 282: 14,100 to 18,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 26.7%
Route 282 runs from Route 75 to the Naval Air Station at North Island in Coronado in San Diego.
4. [CA] Route 200: 1,650 to 1,900 vehicles/day, for a growth of 14.2%
Route 200 runs from US 101 to Route 299 staying north of the Mad River.		 [I] I-980: 148,000 to 189,000 vehicles/day, for a growth of 26.7%
The "John B Williams" freeway, running from I-880 to I-580 in Oakland.

Most Busiest Route, on average, per Mile, at the time of Most Traffic

The highways listed below have the highest high average daily traffic per mile of the route, as of 1993:

1. [I] I-980: 148,000 to 189,000 vehicles/day over 2 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 74,000 to 94,500 vehicles per day per mile.
The "John B Williams" freeway, running from I-880 to I-580 in Oakland. Short and busy; a winning combination in this list.		 6. [I] I-380: 113,000 to 131,000 vehicles/dayover 3 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 37,666.6 to 43,666.6 vehicles per day per mile.
I-380 runs from Route 1 near Pacifica to the San Francisco International Airport. A short busy route to a large busy airport.
2. [CA] Route 259: 55,000 to 66,000 vehicles/day over 1 mile.
Route 259 is basically a ramp between I-215 and Route 30 (future I-210) in San Bernadino. Another short but busy route.		 7. [CA] Route 77: 15,000 to 17,000 vehicles/day over 0.4 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 37,500 to 42,500 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 77 runs from I-880 near 42nd Avenue to Route 24 near Lafayette. It serves as an on-ramp to a major freeway in the area.
3. [CA] Route 262: 45,000 to 61,000 vehicles/day over 1 mile.
Route 262 runs from I-880 to I-680 near Warm Springs. Another short route connecting freeways.		 8. [CA] Route 260: 25,000 to 60,000 vehicles/day over 2 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 12,500 to 30,000 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 260 runs from Route 61 in Alameda to I-880 in Oakland, including the tubes between the Oakland and Alameda. This is actually signed as part of Route 61.
4. [CA] Route 125: 71,000 to 91,000 vehicles/day over the 2 constructed miles of this route, gives a "per mile" ADT of 35,500 to 45,500 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 125 is a route actually under construction in San Diego; it runs from Route 905 to Route 56. The constructed portion carries a lot of border traffic.		 [CA] Route 282: 14,100 to 18,000 vehicles/day over 0.6 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 23,500 to 30,000 vehicles per day per mile.Route 282 runs from Route 75 to the Naval Air Station at North Island in Coronado in San Diego.
5. [CA] Route 114: 44,000 vehicles/day over 1 mile.
Route 114 is a short route from US 101 (although at the time of statistics, it was from I-280) to Route 84 near Palo Alto, near the Dumbarton Bridge.		 10. [CA] Route 242: 54,000 to 88,000 vehicles/day over 3 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 18,000 to 29,333.33 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 242 runs from I-680 to Route 4 north of Concord. It is a former part of Route 24.

Least Busiest Route, on average, per Mile at the time of most traffic

On the other end of the spectrum, the routes with the lowest high ADT per mile are:

1. [CA] Route 266: 70-110 over 12 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 5.8 to 9.2 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 266 is a 12-mile route in eastern Mono county, providing a short loop near Oasis.		 6. [CA] Route 172: 110-270 over 9 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 12.2 to 30.0 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 172 runs from Route 36 at Mineral to Route 36 near Morgan Summit. It was originally part of Route 36.
2. [CA] Route 167: 360-410 over 21 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 17.1 to 19.5 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 167 runs from Mono Lake to the Nevada state line in Mono County.		 7. [CA] Route 270: 350 over 10 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 35 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 270 is the way to Bodie State Historic Park from US 395 in Mono County. #3 on the least busy routes list.
3. [CA] Route 96: 500-3,800 over 147 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 3.4 to 25.9 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 96 runs from Route 299 near Willow Creek to I-5.		 8. [CA] Route 254: 540-1,200 over 32 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 16.9 to 37.5 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 254 is a former portion of the Redwood Highway that connects a a number of state park units near US 101 in Redwood country.
4. [CA] Route 136: 200-500 over 18 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 11.1 to 27.8 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 136 runs from US 395 near Lone Pine to Route 190 via Keeler.		 9. {US] US 95: 1,500-5,400 over 117 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 12.8 to 46.2 vehicles per day per mile.
US 95 runs from I-10 near Blythe to the Nevada state line.
5. {US] US 395: 1,050-16,600 over 557 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.9 to 29.8 vehicles per day per mile.
US 395 runs from north of San Bernardino to the Oregon border, with a break when it passes through Nevada. The first long route in this category. 		10. [CA] Route 127: 380-4,700 over 91 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 4.17 to 51.6 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 127 runs from I-15 near Baker to the Nevada state line via the vicinity of Death Valley Junction. Another high desert routing.

Most Busiest Route, on average, per Mile at the time of Least traffic

The highways listed below have the highest low average daily traffic per mile of the route, as of 1993:

1. [I] I-980: 148,000 to 189,000 vehicles/day over 2 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 74,000 to 94,500 vehicles per day per mile.
The "John B Williams" freeway, running from I-880 to I-580 in Oakland. Short and busy; a winning combination in this list. Also #1 when most busiest.		 6. [CA] Route 77: 15,000 to 17,000 vehicles/day over 0.4 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 37,500 to 42,500 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 77 runs from I-880 near 42nd Avenue to Route 24 near Lafayette. It serves as an on-ramp to a major freeway in the area. #8 when most busiest.
2. [CA] Route 259: 55,000 to 66,000 vehicles/day over 1 mile.
Route 259 is basically a ramp between I-215 and Route 30 (future I-210) in San Bernadino. Another short but busy route. Also #2 when most busiest.		 7. [CA] Route 125: 71,000 to 91,000 vehicles/day over the 2 constructed miles of this route, gives a "per mile" ADT of 35,500 to 45,500 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 125 is a route actually under construction in San Diego; it runs from Route 905 to Route 56. #4 when most busiest.
3. [CA] Route 262: 45,000 to 61,000 vehicles/day over 1 mile.
Route 262, which is soon to be deleted, runs from I-880 to I-680 near Warm Springs. Another short route connecting freeways. Also #3 when most busiest.		 8. [CA] Route 282: 14,100 to 18,000 vehicles/day over 0.6 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 23,500 to 30,000 vehicles per day per mile.Route 282 runs from Route 75 to the Naval Air Station at North Island in Coronado in San Diego. Tied for #8 when most busiest.
4. [CA] Route 114: 44,000 vehicles/day over 1 mile.
Route 114 is a short route from I-280 to Route 84 near Palo Alto, near the Dumbarton Bridge. Moves up from #5 when most busiest.		 9. [CA] Route 109: 20,700 vehicles/day over 1 constructed mileRoute 109 runs from Route 84 to US 101. The only route on this list not also on the most busiest/mile list.
5. [I] I-380: 113,000 to 131,000 vehicles/dayover 3 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 37,666.6 to 43,666.6 vehicles per day per mile.
I-380 runs from Route 1 near Pacifica to the San Francisco International Airport. A short busy route to a large busy airport. #6 when most busiest.		 10. [CA] Route 242: 54,000 to 88,000 vehicles/day over 3 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 18,000 to 29,333.33 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 242 runs from I-680 to Route 4 north of Concord. It is a former part of Route 24. Also #10 when most busiest.

Least Busiest Route, on average, per Mile at the time of Least traffic

The highways listed below have the lowest low average daily traffic per mile of the route, as of 1993:

1. [CA] Route 299: 150-44,500 vehicles/day over 307 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 0.5 to 145.0 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 299 (former US 299) runs in far northern California, from US 101 to the Nevada state line.		 6. [CA] Route 1: 750-97,000 vehicles/day over 656 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.14 to 147.9 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 1 runs from southern Orange County to US 101 near Leggett. The coast highway.
2. [CA] Route 36: 180-26,500 vehicles/day over 250 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 0.72 to 106 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 36 runs from US 101 to US 395 in far Northern California. 		7. [CA] Route 178: 180-58,000 vehicles/day over 152 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.18 to 381.6 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 178 runs from Bakersfield to Freeman via Walker Pass.
3. [CA] Route 3: 140-12,500 over 146 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 0.96 to 85.6 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 3 runs from Route 36 near Peanut to Montague.		 8. [CA] Route 58: 290-63,000 vehicles/day over 241 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.20 to 261.4 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 58 runs from US 101 to I-15/I-40.
4. [CA] Route 33: 300-37,500 over 290 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.03 to 129.3 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 33 runs from Ventura in various segments up to I-5 near Vernalis. 		9. [CA] Route 4: 240-91,000 vehicles/day over 192 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.25 to 473.6 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 4 runs from I-80 to Route 89 near Markleville.
5. [CA] Route 190: 200-14,800 over 188 constructed miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.06 to 78.7 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 190 runs through Death Valley, from US 99 near Tipton to Route 127 near Death Valley Junction. 		10. [CA] Route 49: 400-43,000 vehicles/day over 295 miles, gives a "per mile" ADT of 1.36 to 145.8 vehicles per day per mile.
Route 49 is primarily the Gold Country highway. It runs from Route 41 near Oakhurst to Route 70 near Vinton through the Sierra gold country.
[Overall Statistics] 2 <-
Statistics 2: California is One Big Freeway!		 -> [Overall Statistics] 4
Statistics 4: By Counties and Districts

© 1996-2006 Daniel P. Faigin.
Maintained by: Daniel P. Faigin <webmaster@cahighways.org>.