What's the deal with (projects)...

[RustyK]

...sort of a continuation of the "projects you thought would be finished by now" thread, but this is more along the lines of finding information that you've otherwise not been able to find.  For example:

I was reading that US-36 is now a 4-lane freeway all the way across MO.  As such, shouldn't it be I-72 now?  The US-36 page doesn't say much of anything about I-72 along that stretch.  What's going on there?

[corco]

I'm pretty sure there's still a ton of at-grade intersections- it's 4-lane expressway from what I understand pretty much all the way across, but not quite to interstate standards

[huskeroadgeek]

Yes, it's mostly 4-lane expressway-mostly at-grade intersections with interchanges only at major intersections. In other words, not interstate standard. It would require a lot of work to get it to interstate standard.

[andytom]

There's a big difference between 4-lane freeway and 4-lane divided (which is what US36 is across MO, at least from Cameron [I-35] to Hannibal [US-24]).  There are lots of at-grade crossings along this stretch.

--Andy

[oscar]

There's a big difference between 4-lane freeway and 4-lane divided (which is what US36 is across MO, at least from Cameron [I-35] to Hannibal [US-24]).  There are lots of at-grade crossings along this stretch.

Also, much of the highway has two lanes of rather decrepit pavement in one direction, with newer pavement added later on for the other direction.  So it'd need lots of work beyond just removing the at-grade crossings.

[kharvey10]

and given that MoDOT caved in to Arkansas with I-49, the I-72 upgrade is a low priority.

[vdeane]

Continuing with this, what's the deal with NY 17 between NY 79 and Hale Eddy?  As far as I can tell it's just as much interstate standards from NY 79 until the first at-grade intersection as parts already I-86, so why does I-86 end at NY 79?

[froggie]

so why does I-86 end at NY 79?

Probably because NY 79 is a more logical terminus than an arbitrary point in the middle of nowhere.

[vdeane]

Well, the nearest interchange is exit 84 with NY 8 and NY 10.  Personally I'd sign I-86 on all continuous portions that are interstate standards.  After all, the intention is to complete it, no?

[froggie]

Perhaps something with the bridges over the railroad/Oquaga Creek (east of Exit 83) or over the West Branch of the Delaware River just west of Exit 84?  The other possibility is the narrow median near Exit 81.

Otherwise I agree and see no reason why they couldn't sign it to Exit 84.

[mightyace]

Personally I'd sign I-86 on all continuous portions that are interstate standards.  After all, the intention is to complete it, no?

Agreed.

<rant>
I don't know what the big deal is against signing disconnected stretches of interstate that one day will be connected.  We had that all over the county when the main system was being built.

Are drivers that much dumber today?
</rant>

[The Premier]

I'm afraid so. In fact, there are some people that are very impatient when it comes to completing a stretch of roadway.