The Western Interstate 76 is a diagonal route that generally follows the South Platte River between Denver, Colorado, and Big Springs, Nebraska. This is one of two sections of Interstate 76 in the country; the other Interstate 76 is located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The section of Interstate 76 in Colorado and Nebraska was known as Interstate 80S until 1975, as it was intended to be a spur route off of Interstate 80 that would serve Denver. Since that was somewhat confusing, the suffixed route was eliminated in favor of Interstate 76.
Interstate 76 Business Loops
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Interstate 76 Guides / Photos
Eastbound Interstate 76
Interstate 76 departs from the Centennial State of Colorado and enters the Cornhusker State of Nebraska. The freeway has a little less than three miles within Nebraska, so its stay is very short. There are no exits along Interstate 76 except for the interchange with Interstate 80. Photo taken 09/05/05.
The speed limit for Interstate highways in Nebraska is 75 miles per hour. Photo taken 09/05/05.
An overhead variable message sign is posted after the state line; during times of inclement weather or poor traffic conditions, Interstate 76 and Interstate 80 may be closed or restricted to certain vehicles. Photo taken 09/05/05.
This is the first advance signage for Interstate 80, the transcontinental route that crosses Nebraska between Pine Bluffs and Omaha. Note the exit number of 102; this is based on the mileage of Interstate 80, not Interstate 76. Photo taken 09/05/05.
At the time this photo was taken, a detour was in place for the connection to Interstate 80 west. To make the connection, one must follow Interstate 80 east to the Big Springs interchange. Photo taken 09/05/05.
On this sign, the exit closed placard covered the "Interstate 80 west Sidney" destination. Photo taken 09/05/05.
A loop ramp would normally convey traffic from eastbound Interstate 76 to westbound Interstate 80. Photo taken 09/05/05.
Interstate 76 ends as the two lanes of the eastbound freeway merge directly into Interstate 80 eastbound. Photo taken 09/05/05.
The right lane ends; all traffic must merge into the left lane. Photo taken 09/05/05.
At this point, eastbound Interstate 76 and eastbound Interstate 80 merge together. Interstate 76 does not resume as an independent route until Ohio. Photo taken 09/05/05.
