(Illustration by Jim Cooke / Los Angeles Times; source photos via Getty Images)
- Using traffic volume and accident data, The Times ranked the worst Los Angeles intersections.
- Not all of the most problematic intersections were on major thoroughfares.
Everyone who commutes in L.A. has a traffic choke point that is the very worst part of their drive — where everything stops, time seems to stand still, and you debate how many red-light cycles it’s going to take to get through the intersection.
It’s these places where you worry about getting into that fender bender or witnessing an act of road rage that will haunt your nightmares.
The Times decided to find out which are truly the worst crossings in the city, based on city data on traffic volumes and accidents.
James Moore, a traffic engineering expert from USC, reviewed The Times’ data and offered some analysis, both predictable and surprising.
- The common denominator for the list was clear: intersections at key traffic points, often near major shopping and business centers as well as freeways.
- Many of the worst intersections were designed to handle a lot traffic. They’ve been optimized for car movement (so pedestrians, buses and cyclists come second to moving cars). This is controversial because some feel the city needs to prioritize getting solo drivers out of cars and onto mass transit and other alternatives. But most of these intersections lack protected bike and bus lanes.
- As frustrating as the waits at these intersections can be, Moore argues that the city has generally done an adequate job of moving so many cars. He’s skeptical that much more can be done short of the type of “congestion pricing” system being tried in New York and European cities, where drivers pay a toll for using certain roadways at peak hours.
- Many of these intersections contain “protected” right turn lanes, which Moore says improve flow and reduce conflict among drivers.
One surprise is that not all of the intersections in our list were the crossings of major thoroughfares. Although those big intersections were represented — Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard, Wilshire and Sepulveda boulevards — others included smaller streets.
The reason? Often they marked key choke points just outside of major attractions such as Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and LAX. Intersection design also plays a role. A poorly laid-out crossing can really back up traffic, especially in areas with few alternative routes.
(Jim Cooke / Los Angeles Times; source photo via Getty Images)
Showing Place Places
1. Highland and Sunset
Hollywood Intersection
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Facts: the highest traffic volume of any intersection on our list, with 312 traffic collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: For drivers coming from the south, this crossing is the gateway to Hollywood — or, as Moore put it, “Elevated flows likely include Tinsel Town tourists.”
Mitigating factors: At least you get a good view of Hollywood High School, a grand example of Streamline Moderne architecture.
Why this intersection is so bad: For drivers coming from the south, this crossing is the gateway to Hollywood — or, as Moore put it, “Elevated flows likely include Tinsel Town tourists.”
Mitigating factors: At least you get a good view of Hollywood High School, a grand example of Streamline Moderne architecture.
2. Sepulveda and Lincoln
Westchester Intersection
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Facts: the second-highest volume of cars of any intersection on our list, with 99 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: Both these roadways have long been thought of as shortcuts to LAX, despite decades of evidence that they do not save motorists time. (This was even a plot point on HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Larry: “I need Lincoln approval. I can’t do it on my own.” Cheryl: “GO LINCOLN!!!!”)
Mitigating factors: If you are stuck at this crossing, look up. It’s considered one of the world’s best plane-watching spots.
Why this intersection is so bad: Both these roadways have long been thought of as shortcuts to LAX, despite decades of evidence that they do not save motorists time. (This was even a plot point on HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Larry: “I need Lincoln approval. I can’t do it on my own.” Cheryl: “GO LINCOLN!!!!”)
Mitigating factors: If you are stuck at this crossing, look up. It’s considered one of the world’s best plane-watching spots.
3. MLK and Crenshaw
Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Intersection
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Facts: this intersection had the ninth-highest traffic volume of any on our list with 348 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s next to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the nexus of two ultra-wide corridors comprising multiple lanes of traffic.
Mitigating factors: That striking Art Deco building, with its tall spire, was once the Broadway department store, around which the Crenshaw shopping mall was based.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s next to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the nexus of two ultra-wide corridors comprising multiple lanes of traffic.
Mitigating factors: That striking Art Deco building, with its tall spire, was once the Broadway department store, around which the Crenshaw shopping mall was based.
4. 3rd and Alvarado
Westlake Intersection
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Facts: This crossing had the 10th-highest traffic volume of those on our list, with 246 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s a “high-design intersection and MTA bus transit hub, so an elevated share of traffic is transit vehicles,” according to Moore.
Mitigating factors: Generations of L.A. residents knew the corner as home to St. Vincent Medical Center. Earlier this year, officials announced the now-shuttered site would become a homeless services center.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s a “high-design intersection and MTA bus transit hub, so an elevated share of traffic is transit vehicles,” according to Moore.
Mitigating factors: Generations of L.A. residents knew the corner as home to St. Vincent Medical Center. Earlier this year, officials announced the now-shuttered site would become a homeless services center.
5. El Segundo and Hoover
Athens Intersection
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Facts: the sixth-highest traffic volume of any intersection on our list, with 70 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It is just south of the infamously jammed 110-105 freeway interchange. El Segundo Boulevard is a shortcut for northbound 110 drivers trying to get around the traffic.
Mitigating factors: Just north of the intersection is the cute residential neighborhood Athens on the Hill, with curving streets built around gentle knolls.
Why this intersection is so bad: It is just south of the infamously jammed 110-105 freeway interchange. El Segundo Boulevard is a shortcut for northbound 110 drivers trying to get around the traffic.
Mitigating factors: Just north of the intersection is the cute residential neighborhood Athens on the Hill, with curving streets built around gentle knolls.
6. Los Feliz and Griffith Park
Los Feliz Intersection
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Facts: the 11th-highest traffic volume of any intersection on our list, with 122 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: There is a lot going on here. Cars are getting on and off Interstate 5. It’s near the main entrance to Griffith Park. Commuters from Hollywood coming through this intersection are headed to places including Glendale, Silver Lake and downtown L.A.
Mitigating factors: Driving east, there is a great view of the San Gabriel Mountains. And if you had time, you could park and take a hike.
Why this intersection is so bad: There is a lot going on here. Cars are getting on and off Interstate 5. It’s near the main entrance to Griffith Park. Commuters from Hollywood coming through this intersection are headed to places including Glendale, Silver Lake and downtown L.A.
Mitigating factors: Driving east, there is a great view of the San Gabriel Mountains. And if you had time, you could park and take a hike.
7. Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset
Pacific Palisades Intersection
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Facts: the 12th-highest volume of cars of any intersection on our list, with 336 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: Aside from joining two iconic roadways, it is also adjacent to a world-famous surf break, which means a parking fiasco.
Mitigating factors: Anyone who has been there knows — this is a beautiful place to be in a traffic jam. And if you want respite, just direct your car into the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot.
Why this intersection is so bad: Aside from joining two iconic roadways, it is also adjacent to a world-famous surf break, which means a parking fiasco.
Mitigating factors: Anyone who has been there knows — this is a beautiful place to be in a traffic jam. And if you want respite, just direct your car into the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot.
8. Santa Monica and Highland
Hollywood Intersection
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Facts: the 13th-highest traffic volume of intersections on our list, with 238 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s situated between Hollywood and WeHo and draws neighborhood crowds and commuters from nearby Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
Mitigating factors: This intersection is the setting for the acclaimed L.A. indie movie “Tangerine.”
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s situated between Hollywood and WeHo and draws neighborhood crowds and commuters from nearby Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
Mitigating factors: This intersection is the setting for the acclaimed L.A. indie movie “Tangerine.”
9. Fountain and Hyperion
Silver Lake Intersection
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Facts: this intersection was third highest on our list when it came to traffic volume, with 38 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s a “T-intersection designed for a continuous right turn off the more trafficked street (Hyperion),” Moore says.
Mitigating factors: This crossing marks an important change in the L.A. grid. Fountain Avenue, a key east-west corridor through Hollywood and West Hollywood, turns north and becomes Hyperion Avenue, which runs north toward Glendale.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s a “T-intersection designed for a continuous right turn off the more trafficked street (Hyperion),” Moore says.
Mitigating factors: This crossing marks an important change in the L.A. grid. Fountain Avenue, a key east-west corridor through Hollywood and West Hollywood, turns north and becomes Hyperion Avenue, which runs north toward Glendale.
10. Crenshaw and 9th
Central L.A. Intersection
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Facts: this was fourth highest for traffic volume of any intersection, with 31 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: Crenshaw is a major boulevard in the L.A. Basin, beginning at the Pacific Ocean in Rancho Palos Verdes. But it ends somewhat abruptly at Wilshire Boulevard in Hancock Park (compared to Western and Vermont avenues, which reach a few miles north to the Hollywood Hills).
Mitigating factors: Crenshaw dead-ends at one of L.A.’s modern architectural marvels, the marble-and-steel-clad Harbor Building.
Why this intersection is so bad: Crenshaw is a major boulevard in the L.A. Basin, beginning at the Pacific Ocean in Rancho Palos Verdes. But it ends somewhat abruptly at Wilshire Boulevard in Hancock Park (compared to Western and Vermont avenues, which reach a few miles north to the Hollywood Hills).
Mitigating factors: Crenshaw dead-ends at one of L.A.’s modern architectural marvels, the marble-and-steel-clad Harbor Building.
11. La Cienega and Centinela
Inglewood Intersection
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Facts: the intersection had the 14th-highest traffic volume of crossings on our list, with 116 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: At one point, planners wanted this stretch of La Cienega Boulevard to be a freeway. The portion through the Baldwin Hills feels like an expressway. But then you hit the grim Centinela/La Tijera/La Cienega maze, which is a bottleneck getting in and out of LAX.
Mitigating factors: At least you can take a glance at Pann’s, one of L.A.’s most famous examples of Googie coffee shop architecture.
Why this intersection is so bad: At one point, planners wanted this stretch of La Cienega Boulevard to be a freeway. The portion through the Baldwin Hills feels like an expressway. But then you hit the grim Centinela/La Tijera/La Cienega maze, which is a bottleneck getting in and out of LAX.
Mitigating factors: At least you can take a glance at Pann’s, one of L.A.’s most famous examples of Googie coffee shop architecture.
12. Vermont and 28th
West Adams Intersection
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Facts: ranked the fifth highest on our list for traffic volume, with 28 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It suffers from its proximity to USC and the infamous 10-110 freeway interchange.
Mitigating factors: It’s a T-intersection, so drivers only need to worry about two other directions instead of the usual three.
Why this intersection is so bad: It suffers from its proximity to USC and the infamous 10-110 freeway interchange.
Mitigating factors: It’s a T-intersection, so drivers only need to worry about two other directions instead of the usual three.
13. Wilshire and Sepulveda
Westwood Intersection
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Facts: was the seventh highest for volume of cars of intersections on our list, with 31 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: Westwood. Brentwood. UCLA. The 405. The Sepulveda Pass. This intersection is one of L.A.’s busiest crossroads, and you pay for it in commute times.
Mitigating factors: Metro is moving ahead with the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, which would connect the Westside to the San Fernando Valley in less than 20 minutes, if it ever gets built.
Why this intersection is so bad: Westwood. Brentwood. UCLA. The 405. The Sepulveda Pass. This intersection is one of L.A.’s busiest crossroads, and you pay for it in commute times.
Mitigating factors: Metro is moving ahead with the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, which would connect the Westside to the San Fernando Valley in less than 20 minutes, if it ever gets built.
14. Pacific Coast Highway and Channel/Chautauqua
Santa Monica Intersection
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Facts: the eighth-highest traffic volume of any intersection on our list, with 52 collisions since 2010.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s a “3-way T-intersection with movements in all feasible directions,” Moore says.
Mitigating factors: The intersection has long been known for its congestion. It was an early beachside business district with popular shops. Some of those buildings still stand today.
Why this intersection is so bad: It’s a “3-way T-intersection with movements in all feasible directions,” Moore says.
Mitigating factors: The intersection has long been known for its congestion. It was an early beachside business district with popular shops. Some of those buildings still stand today.
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Updates:
7:29 a.m. Feb. 23, 2026: Methodology: We combined Los Angeles Department of Transportation traffic count summary data from surveys between 2010 and 2020 and Los Angeles Police Department traffic collision data spanning 2010 to 2026 to produce a combined score. The scoring weighted traffic count data more heavily than collisions. Traffic count data tallies the number of cars traveling through an intersection in a day; traffic collision data counts all reported accidents at a given intersection involving vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Fatalities and injuries reported at each intersection were not calculated into this ranking.
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