Traveling across the United States can be an adventure due to its vast highways stretching from coast to coast. The US has one of the most extensive highway systems in the world, with over 160,000 miles of highways. However, some highways stand out due to their length, history, and unique features. In this article, we'll look at the largest highways in the US and what makes them special.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Traveling across the United States can be an adventure due to its vast highways stretching from coast to coast. The US has one of the most extensive highway systems in the world, with over 160,000 miles of highways. However, some highways stand out due to their length, history, and unique features. In this article, we'll look at the largest highways in the US and what makes them special.
What is the longest highway in the US?
The longest highway in the US is the US Route 20, which stretches over 3,365 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon. The highway passes through 12 states and was originally a Native American trail before being developed into a transcontinental highway in the early 1900s. Today, the US Route 20 is a popular road trip destination, with attractions such as Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park, and the Oregon Coast along the way.
What is the busiest highway in the US?
The busiest highway in the US is the I-405 in Los Angeles, California, with an average of 379,000 vehicles per day. The highway spans 72 miles and connects the San Fernando Valley to Orange County. The I-405 is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, and has been the subject of several construction and improvement projects to alleviate congestion.
Largest Highways in the US
1. I-90
The I-90 is the longest interstate highway in the US, spanning over 3,101 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington. The highway passes through 13 states and is a major east-west route, connecting cities such as Chicago, Illinois, and Cleveland, Ohio. The I-90 also crosses the Mississippi River twice, and several mountain ranges, including the Rockies and the Cascades.
2. I-80
The I-80 is the second-longest interstate highway in the US, stretching over 2,899 miles from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey. The highway passes through 11 states and is a major east-west route, connecting cities such as Omaha, Nebraska, and Cleveland, Ohio. The I-80 also crosses the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and the Mississippi River.
3. I-40
The I-40 is a transcontinental highway stretching over 2,555 miles from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina. The highway passes through eight states and is a major east-west route, connecting cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Memphis, Tennessee. The I-40 also passes through several national parks and landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park.
4. I-10
The I-10 is the fourth-longest interstate highway in the US, running over 2,460 miles from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida. The highway passes through eight states and is a major east-west route, connecting cities such as Phoenix, Arizona, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The I-10 also crosses several mountain ranges, including the Rockies and the Appalachians.
Conclusion
The US has an extensive highway system, with several highways standing out due to their length, history, and unique features. The I-90, I-80, I-40, and I-10 are the largest highways in the US, connecting cities and landmarks from coast to coast. Whether you're planning a road trip or commuting to work, these highways offer a glimpse into the vastness and diversity of the US.
