Highway 113: Routes, Maps, and Complete Travel Guide
Highway 113 exists in several U.S. states, with the most notable being in California, where it runs for 36 miles (58 km) north-south from Interstate 80 in Davis to Interstate 5 in Woodland. Other Highway 113s can be found in Alabama, Wisconsin, and Vermont, each serving different regions and communities.
The California Highway 113 serves as an important connector between two major interstates and passes through agricultural regions and several communities including Davis (home to UC Davis) and Woodland.
California State Route 113: The Primary Highway 113
The most searched and traveled Highway 113 is California State Route 113, a north-south state highway in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California.
Route Overview
- Length: 36 miles (58 km)
- Southern Terminus: Interstate 80 in Davis
- Northern Terminus: Interstate 5 near Woodland
- Counties: Yolo and Solano Counties
- Major Junctions: I-80, I-5, CA-45
- Cities/Towns: Davis, Dixon, Woodland, Knights Landing
Route Description and Map
California Highway 113 can be divided into several distinct sections:
Southern Section: Davis to Woodland
Starting at I-80 in Davis, Highway 113 begins as a north-south freeway that passes along the western edge of Davis. This section includes:
- Junction with Covell Boulevard (Exit 27)
- Russell Boulevard interchange (Exit 28) providing access to UC Davis
- Hutchison Drive (Exit 29) serving UC Davis' northern campus
- County Road 27 (Exit 32)
- County Road 25A (Exit 33)
This section is a four-lane divided freeway with a speed limit of 65 mph.
Central Section: Woodland Area
Continuing north, the highway reaches Woodland, where it:
- Crosses over CA-16 (Exit 36)
- Intersects with Main Street in Woodland (Exit 37)
- Connects to I-5 at the northern edge of Woodland
[Interactive Map: Would typically be embedded here showing California Highway 113 route]
For the most current and interactive map of Highway 113, you can visit Google Maps and search for "Highway 113 California".
Driving Time and Distance
| Section | Distance | Typical Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-80 (Davis) to UC Davis exits | 4 miles (6 km) | 5-7 minutes |
| UC Davis to Woodland city limits | 12 miles (19 km) | 12-15 minutes |
| Woodland to I-5 | 20 miles (32 km) | 20-25 minutes |
| Entire Highway 113 (California) | 36 miles (58 km) | 35-45 minutes |
Note: Driving times are approximate and can vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and construction activities. During agricultural harvest seasons, travel times may increase due to farm equipment on the road.
Points of Interest Along California Highway 113
While Highway 113 is primarily a transportation corridor, there are several notable points of interest and attractions along or near its route:
Davis Area (Southern Portion)
- University of California, Davis: One of the top public universities in the United States, known for its programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences. The highway provides direct access to the campus.
- UC Davis Arboretum: A 100-acre public garden featuring plants from around the world, located on the southern edge of the UC Davis campus.
- Davis Downtown: The charming downtown area of Davis features shops, restaurants, and the famous Davis Farmers Market (held on Wednesdays and Saturdays).
- U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame: Located in downtown Davis, celebrating the history of American cycling.
Between Davis and Woodland
- Agricultural Areas: This stretch of Highway 113 passes through some of California's richest farmland, with views of various crops depending on the season.
- Yolo County Airport: A general aviation airport located just off Highway 113 between Davis and Woodland.
- Conaway Ranch: A large agricultural operation and wildlife habitat area visible from the highway.
Woodland Area (Northern Portion)
- Historic Downtown Woodland: Features well-preserved historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Yolo County Fairgrounds: Home to the annual Yolo County Fair and various events throughout the year.
- Woodland Opera House: A State Historic Landmark built in 1885, still operating as a theater.
- Reiff's Gas Station Museum: A unique collection of vintage gas pumps and automotive memorabilia.
Services Along the Route
Travelers on Highway 113 will find various services along the way:
| Service Type | Davis Area | Mid-Route | Woodland Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Stations | Multiple options near I-80 intersection | Limited | Several options, especially near I-5 |
| Restaurants | Numerous options in Davis | Very limited | Multiple options in Woodland |
| Lodging | Several hotels near I-80 | None | Multiple hotels in Woodland |
| Rest Areas | None officially designated | None | None on Highway 113 proper |
Highway 113 in Other States
While California's Highway 113 is the most substantial, there are other Highway 113s across the United States. Here are details on three other notable Highway 113 routes:
Alabama Highway 113
- Location: Escambia County, Alabama
- Route: Connects Flomaton to Barnett Crossroads
- Length: Approximately 16 miles (26 km)
- Notable Features: Primarily a rural highway passing through forested areas and small communities
Wisconsin Highway 113
- Location: South-central Wisconsin
- Route: Runs from Beloit to the Madison area, passing through Janesville
- Length: Approximately 23 miles (37 km)
- Notable Features: Passes near Devil's Lake State Park, offering scenic views of the Wisconsin landscape
- Intersections: Connects with Interstate 39/90 and Wisconsin Highway 23
Vermont Highway 113
- Location: Eastern Vermont
- Route: Connects the towns of Vershire and Thetford
- Length: Approximately 7.5 miles (12.1 km)
- Notable Features: Scenic rural route through the Vermont countryside
- Intersections: Meets with Vermont Route 132 and U.S. Route 5
Comparing Highway 113s
| Highway | Length | Type | Major Connections | Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California SR 113 | 36 miles | Freeway/Highway | I-80, I-5 | Agricultural, Urban |
| Alabama Highway 113 | 16 miles | Rural Highway | US-31, AL-41 | Rural, Forested |
| Wisconsin Highway 113 | 23 miles | State Highway | I-39/90, WI-23 | Rural, Scenic |
| Vermont Highway 113 | 7.5 miles | Rural Route | VT-132, US-5 | Rural, Mountainous |
History of Highway 113
The history of Highway 113, particularly the California route, reflects the development of transportation infrastructure in the United States throughout the 20th century.
California State Route 113 History
- Early 20th Century: The route began as a series of local and county roads connecting agricultural communities in the Sacramento Valley.
- 1930s-1940s: The route was incorporated into the state highway system as part of California's expanding road network.
- 1960s: Major upgrades began as part of California's highway modernization program, coinciding with the development of the Interstate Highway System.
- 1970s: The section between Davis and Woodland was upgraded to freeway standards to accommodate growing traffic between these communities and to provide better access to UC Davis.
- 1980s-1990s: Additional interchanges and improvements were made as the surrounding communities grew.
- 2000s: Various safety improvements and maintenance projects have kept the highway current with modern standards.
Economic and Regional Significance
Highway 113 has played an important role in the economic development of the regions it serves:
- Agricultural Access: In California, the highway has been crucial for transporting agricultural products from the fertile Sacramento Valley to markets.
- Educational Development: The growth of UC Davis has been facilitated by the transportation access provided by Highway 113.
- Regional Connector: The highway serves as an important north-south connector between major east-west routes (I-80 and I-5).
- Commuter Route: As the region has grown, Highway 113 has become an important commuter route for those working in Davis, Woodland, and the greater Sacramento area.
Travel Tips for Highway 113
If you're planning to travel on Highway 113, especially the California route, here are some helpful tips to enhance your journey:
Best Times to Travel
- Rush Hours: Avoid 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:00 PM on weekdays, when commuter traffic is heaviest, particularly near Davis and Woodland.
- UC Davis Events: Traffic can be significantly heavier during university events, particularly graduation ceremonies, move-in days, and home sports games.
- Agricultural Seasons: During harvest seasons (late summer to fall), be prepared for occasional agricultural vehicles on or near the highway.
- Foggy Conditions: The Sacramento Valley is prone to dense tule fog in winter months, particularly from November through February. Early morning driving can be hazardous during these times.
Weather Considerations
- Summer: The Sacramento Valley can experience extremely hot temperatures (100°F+/38°C+) during summer months. Ensure your vehicle's cooling system is in good condition.
- Winter: While snow is rare, heavy rain and fog can create hazardous driving conditions. Reduce speed and increase following distance during wet weather.
- Visibility: During foggy conditions, use low-beam headlights (not high beams) and follow the right edge line of the road if visibility is severely reduced.
- Wind: The open agricultural areas can experience strong crosswinds, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
Planning Your Trip
- Fuel: Fill up in Davis or Woodland, as there are limited gas stations along the central portions of the route.
- Food and Breaks: Both Davis and Woodland offer numerous dining options. There are fewer services in between these cities.
- Cell Coverage: While generally good along Highway 113, there may be spots with reduced coverage in some rural sections.
- Alternative Routes: In case of closures or heavy traffic, Interstate 505 provides an alternative north-south route slightly to the west.
- Construction Updates: Check Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) for current construction or maintenance projects before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highway 113 in California a scenic drive?
While Highway 113 in California is not officially designated as a scenic highway, it does offer pleasant views of agricultural landscapes characteristic of the Sacramento Valley. The route passes through farmlands with seasonal crop changes that can be visually interesting. For more dramatic scenery in Northern California, consider nearby routes like Highway 1 along the coast or Highway 50 heading east toward Lake Tahoe.
Are there tolls on Highway 113?
No, there are no tolls on Highway 113 in California, Alabama, Wisconsin, or Vermont. All segments of Highway 113 in these states are toll-free roads maintained by their respective state transportation departments.
What is the best time of year to drive on Highway 113 in California?
Spring (March to May) is generally considered the best time to drive Highway 113 in California. During this season, the surrounding agricultural fields are lush and green, wildflowers may be blooming, and the weather is typically pleasant with temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Fall (September to November) can also be nice, offering views of harvest activities. Winter can bring fog that makes driving challenging, while summer temperatures can be extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F (38°C).
Is Highway 113 a good alternative to Interstate 5?
Highway 113 in California can be a good alternative to portions of Interstate 5, particularly for travelers moving between the Bay Area and locations in the northern Sacramento Valley. It generally has less traffic than I-5 and can provide a less stressful driving experience. However, Highway 113 is only 36 miles long, so it serves as an alternative for just a small portion of I-5's route. For longer journeys, it would be used in combination with other highways.
Are there wildlife concerns when driving on Highway 113?
On California's Highway 113, wildlife encounters are less common than on more rural roads, but still possible. The agricultural areas around the highway are home to various species including deer, coyotes, and smaller mammals. Exercise caution, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are more active. In Wisconsin, the Highway 113 route passes near more densely forested areas where deer crossings are more common, so increased vigilance is warranted there, especially during rutting season (October-December).