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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: achilles765 on January 09, 2022, 04:02:10 AM

Title: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: achilles765 on January 09, 2022, 04:02:10 AM
I have been wondering what others think are some of the most impressive or most interesting stretches of highways they have seen or experienced?

I was thinking this should be two categories:
1. Most impressive urban highway/freeway, meaning a stretch of highway or freeway in an urban area that is particularly impressive or interesting/cool to see or drive though.  Things like interesting interchanges, lane configurations, stacks, skyline views, scenery up against urban landscapes--that kind of thing
and
2. Most beautiful and impressive scenic landscapes...like I-70 in Colorado, I-15 in the Virgin River Gorge

Out of the places I have driven, I will always like the stretch of IH 45 here in Houston within the 610 loop, including the Pierce Elevated, which I really don't want them to tear down...I like IH 10 and US 90 in New Orleans, the double decked portions of I 10 in San Antonio, the BQE/I-278 in NYC, IH 35W/820 and 35E/635 areas in DFW, and I 93 in Boston.
The only scenic routes I have been able to enjoy were I-81 in the mountains of PA and the videos I have seen of Texas Loop 375 in EL Paso
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Bruce on January 09, 2022, 05:13:12 AM
I-90 from its SODO terminus to Ellensburg qualifies as both (and cost an arm and a leg to build).

Impressive skyline views from a variety of ramps, a complex interchange with I-5, a blend of historic and modern tunnels through Mount Baker Ridge, two of the world's longest floating bridges, some modern park lids, and a light rail line being built right down the middle to boot.

And beyond the suburbs, there's a lot of beauty to be found on the way up to Snoqualmie Pass, with plenty of hiking trails that pass right under the high viaduct on Denny Creek.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2022, 08:35:07 AM
CA 18 from San Bernardino to Crestline always impresses me every time I drive it.  It's amazing how a four lane expressway gains so much elevation so fast which caps off at an interchange hanging on the side of a mountain.  Sure lives up to the name "Rim of the World Highway."

The switchbacks on Horseshoe Meadows Road had a similar feel climbing out of the Alabama Hills.  That was really something to see that large of an excavated cut climb the side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains first hand.  Shame it wasn't kept as part of CA 190. 

Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: SkyPesos on January 09, 2022, 10:18:32 AM
For an urban freeway that have interesting skyline views, the approaches to downtown Cincinnati on both sides of I-71. The NB/Kentucky approach have the downward slope, in which before that, you can see the whole skyline. The SB/Ohio approach is on a bridge for this part, and it seem like you're going to drive into the P&G building, then you make a turn into the tunnel.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: SEWIGuy on January 09, 2022, 12:40:32 PM
I-84 through the Cascades along the Columbia River is my favorite.

Crossing the Golden Gate heading into San Francisco is nice too.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: 1995hoo on January 09, 2022, 12:44:21 PM
While I don't like Pittsburgh, I've always found the sight of the city when coming out of the tunnel on the way in from the airport to be a very impressive view.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: SSR_317 on January 09, 2022, 02:52:14 PM
I would nominate the following roadways (both just happen to be Interstates):

In Category 1: The drive north on Chicago's I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Freeway (sic, sorry Chicagoans, but I REFUSE to call Interstate highways by the incorrect suffix "Expressway"). You have all the classic urban elements right  there outside your windshield: a "double freeway" with "Express Lanes" inside of Collector/Distributor Lanes ("Local Lanes"), a Rapid Transit rail line in the median (The L's Red Line), and a spectacular view of the Willis (neĆ© the Sears) Tower and the rest of the Loop's skyscrapers (if you are a passenger, or if as a driver you are stuck in traffic so you have time to safely appreciate the view). And unlike many other Chicago area Interstates, it's not Tolled (not even the Express Lanes)! It can be a pain to drive at rush hour (and many other times as well), but it most certainly is "impressive".

In Category 2: The entire length of "Intrastate" (sic) 17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Northbound, you start out next to a major international airport in the midst of a sprawling and booming urban area, then after skirting the downtown area to the south and west, you slowly transition to a suburban, then exurban area. Before you know it, you find yourself in a desolate rural region, traveling through beautiful mountain vistas, traversing deep river canyons, and eventually ending up in a high desert pine forest. During the last third of this journey north, you (on a clear day) have the spectacular vista of a snow-covered (until the Climate Crisis melts it) volcanic mountain (Humphrys Peak, the tallest in Arizona) dead ahead as your companion. You also climb from just over 1000 feet above sea level elevation at PHX, to just over 8000 feet as you approach Flag (as the locals call Flagstaff), all in the span of less than 150 miles and about 2 hours of (normal) driving time. If you have the time and traffic conditions to appreciate it, this can be one of the most memorable drives in the entire USA. It it certainly one of, it not the most, diverse stretches of freeway in the entire Eisenhower Interstate System.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: hbelkins on January 09, 2022, 03:04:45 PM
This is again a very subjective list, but I really like Corridor H (US 48) from the Bismarck/Mt. Storm Lake area (WV 42) to the end of the four-lane near Wardensville.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway.
That hotel over the MassPike is one of the first things I remember about the Boston area.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:10:30 PM
Urban: Coming into St Louis on I-55 and watching the Arch look larger as you approach the Mississippi River was one of my favorite things about living in St Louis.

Rural: I recently drove the old US 66 in Arizona through Peach Springs. The scenery is right out of Cars and there are a number of old/new Burma Shave signs along the route.

Neither will be #1 on anybody's list, but both are noteworthy and worth checking out if you're in the area.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:12:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway.
That hotel over the MassPike is one of the first things I remember about the Boston area.

I always loved going under the old post office on the Congress/Eisenhower (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8755486,-87.6399071,3a,75y,89.63h,103.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTysplmeEAnneE6GfySlG1Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) in Chicago
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jmd41280 on January 09, 2022, 04:23:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 09, 2022, 12:44:21 PM
While I don't like Pittsburgh, I've always found the sight of the city when coming out of the tunnel on the way in from the airport to be a very impressive view.

I've always been partial to I-279 south approaching downtown Pittsburgh (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4644598,-79.9999202,3a,45y,163.03h,96.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smJ3Sn3TMZKARAoGs__Z6gA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2022, 04:25:28 PM
Quote from: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:10:30 PM
Urban: Coming into St Louis on I-55 and watching the Arch look larger as you approach the Mississippi River was one of my favorite things about living in St Louis.

Rural: I recently drove the old US 66 in Arizona through Peach Springs. The scenery is right out of Cars and there are a number of old/new Burma Shave signs along the route.

Neither will be #1 on anybody's list, but both are noteworthy and worth checking out if you're in the area.

As much as people in the Roadgeek community shit on US 66 for having an over saturated fandom nowadays the 1926-52 alignment over Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman is an all time classic.  The stretch though Kingman to Seligman is pretty damn chock full of Americana with stuff like the Hackberry General Store.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: CoreySamson on January 09, 2022, 07:29:15 PM
My favorite has to be I-610 southbound in Houston on the NW side of town between 290 and I-10:

(https://imgur.com/TCaOShT.jpg)

All the different lanes and ramps coming together along with the view of tall buildings just does it for me. Driving it for the first time on a Saturday morning was pretty magical.

I'm also impartial to TX-130 between Lockhart and Seguin.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: achilles765 on January 10, 2022, 06:37:44 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2022, 08:35:07 AM
CA 18 from San Bernardino to Crestline always impresses me every time I drive it.  It's amazing how a four lane expressway gains so much elevation so fast which caps off at an interchange hanging on the side of a mountain.  Sure lives up to the name "Rim of the World Highway."

The switchbacks on Horseshoe Meadows Road had a similar feel climbing out of the Alabama Hills.  That was really something to see that large of an excavated cut climb the side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains first hand.  Shame it wasn't kept as part of CA 190. 



I watched some YouTube videos of these two...wow...I have to drive those some day
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on January 10, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:12:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway.
That hotel over the MassPike is one of the first things I remember about the Boston area.

I always loved going under the old post office on the Congress/Eisenhower (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8755486,-87.6399071,3a,75y,89.63h,103.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTysplmeEAnneE6GfySlG1Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) in Chicago
Yeah that one is pretty cool too.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2022, 05:08:57 PM
Quote from: jmd41280 on January 09, 2022, 04:23:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 09, 2022, 12:44:21 PM
While I don't like Pittsburgh, I've always found the sight of the city when coming out of the tunnel on the way in from the airport to be a very impressive view.

I've always been partial to I-279 south approaching downtown Pittsburgh (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4644598,-79.9999202,3a,45y,163.03h,96.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smJ3Sn3TMZKARAoGs__Z6gA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).

I've never been on that road north of downtown. Thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 10, 2022, 07:56:23 PM
Some of the best stretches of highway I've been on include I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge, US 550 in Colorado, I-93 Franconia Notch Parkway, and MA 2 at the hairpin curve near North Adams.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.

MN 61 is one of the best roads in the Great Lakes Region.  M-26 and WI 13 come to mind as other scenic Lake Superior stretches.  I would take M-26 for overall scenery over M-22.

Florida has a couple really impressive stretches.  The most cliche but nonetheless impressive is US 1 in the Florida Keys.  The sheer amount of bridges chaining those islands is something not replicated anywhere else in the United States.  Main Park Road, Tamiami Trail and Loop Road in the Everglades are all pretty impressive given how they just cut through sheer wetlands.

With Arizona AZ 88 on the Apache Trail was really something unique before it washed out.  I contend US 191 on the Coronado Trail is the most daunting and possibly fun to drive US Route segments.  The amount of engineering that it took to get US 60/AZ 77 in Salt River Canyon to facilitate freight traffic is really impressive.  AZ 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson is about as good as a divided expressway gets (aside from CA 18 as stated in my original post).
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 09:00:00 PM
With Hawaii and O'ahu there three standouts, all the Ko'olau Range:

-  Interstate H-3 given how it is a masterpiece of engineering with all the tunnels and viaduct structures.
-  HI 61/Pali Highway was my personal favorite given it is the oldest of the trans-Ko'olau corridors.  The Pali Overlook at the Old Pali Highway really illustrates how daunting it was to get any road over the Ko'olau Range.
-  HI 63/Likelike is kind of the middle ground of HI 61 and Interstate H-3.  Not as impressive as either corridor but would still blow the doors off of the engineering features and scenery of most state highways. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: thspfc on January 10, 2022, 09:05:37 PM
I-376
US-75 in DFW
I-10 in the Houston area
Zoo Freeway in Milwaukee
I-90/94 through Chicago
I-71 in Cincinnati
US-26 in Portland
I-70 from Denver westward
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: frankenroad on January 11, 2022, 04:18:40 PM
This does not really fit either category, but I always liked the view on I-75 about 30 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge when you get a brief glimpse of the top of the bridge.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on January 11, 2022, 05:32:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.

MN 61 is one of the best roads in the Great Lakes Region.  M-26 and WI 13 come to mind as other scenic Lake Superior stretches.  I would take M-26 for overall scenery over M-22.

Florida has a couple really impressive stretches.  The most cliche but nonetheless impressive is US 1 in the Florida Keys.  The sheer amount of bridges chaining those islands is something not replicated anywhere else in the United States.  Main Park Road, Tamiami Trail and Loop Road in the Everglades are all pretty impressive given how they just cut through sheer wetlands.

With Arizona AZ 88 on the Apache Trail was really something unique before it washed out.  I contend US 191 on the Coronado Trail is the most daunting and possibly fun to drive US Route segments.  The amount of engineering that it took to get US 60/AZ 77 in Salt River Canyon to facilitate freight traffic is really impressive.  AZ 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson is about as good as a divided expressway gets (aside from CA 18 as stated in my original post).
M-26 indeed takes the cake over M-22. I've been on M-26 between Copper Harbor and Phoenix and it took a lot longer than taking US-41 which I had taken on the way north but going south I decided to take M-26, lots of scenic areas, Brockway Mountain is pretty cool, so are Eagle Harbor and Eagle River. I haven't been on the part between Hancock and Calumet but I imagine that is nice as well near Lake Linden.

M-22 is nice too but I like M-26 better.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: epzik8 on January 11, 2022, 06:25:39 PM
I-68 through Sideling Hill
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jmd41280 on January 11, 2022, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2022, 05:08:57 PMI've never been on that road north of downtown. Thanks for the link.

No problem at all. As a native Yinzer, I can say that the entrance via I-279 south is very underrated. Coming off I-79 south, you go through alternating stretches of suburbia and wooded valleys. Going down the East Street Valley, you round a bend and one of the best angles of the Pittsburgh skyline suddenly comes into view.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 12, 2022, 02:49:39 PM
Quote from: achilles765 on January 09, 2022, 04:02:10 AM
I have been wondering what others think are some of the most impressive or most interesting stretches of highways they have seen or experienced?

I was thinking this should be two categories:
1. Most impressive urban highway/freeway, meaning a stretch of highway or freeway in an urban area that is particularly impressive or interesting/cool to see or drive though.  Things like interesting interchanges, lane configurations, stacks, skyline views, scenery up against urban landscapes--that kind of thing
and
2. Most beautiful and impressive scenic landscapes...like I-70 in Colorado, I-15 in the Virgin River Gorge

Out of the places I have driven, I will always like the stretch of IH 45 here in Houston within the 610 loop, including the Pierce Elevated, which I really don't want them to tear down...I like IH 10 and US 90 in New Orleans, the double decked portions of I 10 in San Antonio, the BQE/I-278 in NYC, IH 35W/820 and 35E/635 areas in DFW, and I 93 in Boston.
The only scenic routes I have been able to enjoy were I-81 in the mountains of PA and the videos I have seen of Texas Loop 375 in EL Paso

I love all your entries.  Additions to most expensive would be Katy Freeway in Houston and The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in Louisiana always makes me jaw drop how they built an 18 mile long elevated highway though a swamp. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on January 12, 2022, 03:38:38 PM
I-635 in Dallas with those "trenched" express lanes.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Mr_Northside on January 12, 2022, 05:22:31 PM
Quote from: jmd41280 on January 11, 2022, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2022, 05:08:57 PMI've never been on that road north of downtown. Thanks for the link.

No problem at all. As a native Yinzer, I can say that the entrance via I-279 south is very underrated. Coming off I-79 south, you go through alternating stretches of suburbia and wooded valleys. Going down the East Street Valley, you round a bend and one of the best angles of the Pittsburgh skyline suddenly comes into view.

Not to totally devolve into good/great "BOOM!" moments of seeing the Pittsburgh skyline, I-376/Parkway east heading into town, coming around the sharp bend before the Oakland/Glenwood exit ain't too shabby either.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: thspfc on January 13, 2022, 12:24:32 PM
My favorite stretch of rural Interstate in the Midwest is I-39/90/94 between CTH-V in DeForest and WI-33. Especially on a fall or winter afternoon.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: vdeane on January 13, 2022, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
I-87 is pretty nice, especially (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8286963,-73.7744667,3a,75y,45.11h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sijhX0GprgfvZ2_lBZW9owg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in the Adirondacks (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4009104,-73.5010218,3a,75y,10.15h,93.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scyfeMqepoKLZ0La4wzuTHQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) but also around (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9077942,-74.042419,3a,22.1y,351.97h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9-pfEZ8e2hCzI6wVL89YDA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) the Catskills (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2439956,-73.8922885,3a,75y,229.61h,86.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scOHsaE6NLyZ4aM_l33aH7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).  I-90 is also pretty nice in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.896036,-74.4811872,3a,75y,287.25h,87.78t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D23.948822%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).  I-88 has its moments (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6798563,-74.397035,3a,60.3y,83.97h,85.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D181.28516%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) too.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jmacswimmer on January 13, 2022, 01:01:38 PM
An upthread post mentioned I-90/Mass Pike thru Newton - I'll go ahead and expand that to the duration of I-90 from I-95/MA 128 to MA 1A beyond BOS.

There's the parallel Commuter Rail tracks from Weston to South Station, the aforementioned Star Market & Four Points hotel over the highway, the brief elevated stretch above the tracks squeezed between BU & the Charles, followed by 3 tunnels in quick succession (Prudential, Fort Point, Ted Williams).  Not to mention the absolute mazes of interchanges at I-93 & Logan that extend into the adjacent tunnels...That stretch was always a blast to ride during airport runs in my college years.

Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

There's also a brief view of downtown Rochester from I-390 just south of the Thruway (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0377966,-77.6525381,3a,18.7y,20.21h,88.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sF3Rz2iysVfumQc_46SWxJA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en), prior to descending a hill.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 13, 2022, 06:34:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.

MN 61 is one of the best roads in the Great Lakes Region.  M-26 and WI 13 come to mind as other scenic Lake Superior stretches.  I would take M-26 for overall scenery over M-22.

61 probably has the most miles of lakeview of any of these routes, which for me is a big plus.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: thspfc on January 14, 2022, 01:05:21 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 13, 2022, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
I-87 is pretty nice, especially (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8286963,-73.7744667,3a,75y,45.11h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sijhX0GprgfvZ2_lBZW9owg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in the Adirondacks (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4009104,-73.5010218,3a,75y,10.15h,93.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scyfeMqepoKLZ0La4wzuTHQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) but also around (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9077942,-74.042419,3a,22.1y,351.97h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9-pfEZ8e2hCzI6wVL89YDA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) the Catskills (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2439956,-73.8922885,3a,75y,229.61h,86.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scOHsaE6NLyZ4aM_l33aH7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).  I-90 is also pretty nice in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.896036,-74.4811872,3a,75y,287.25h,87.78t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D23.948822%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).  I-88 has its moments (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6798563,-74.397035,3a,60.3y,83.97h,85.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D181.28516%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) too.
This style of post gives me flashbacks to the Illinois is not flat threads. Difference is, when you click the links in this post, you actually get scenic views, not a bunch of trees at the edge of a cornfield.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: vdeane on January 14, 2022, 10:05:13 PM
Quote from: thspfc on January 14, 2022, 01:05:21 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 13, 2022, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
I-87 is pretty nice, especially (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8286963,-73.7744667,3a,75y,45.11h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sijhX0GprgfvZ2_lBZW9owg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in the Adirondacks (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4009104,-73.5010218,3a,75y,10.15h,93.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scyfeMqepoKLZ0La4wzuTHQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) but also around (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9077942,-74.042419,3a,22.1y,351.97h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9-pfEZ8e2hCzI6wVL89YDA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) the Catskills (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2439956,-73.8922885,3a,75y,229.61h,86.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scOHsaE6NLyZ4aM_l33aH7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).  I-90 is also pretty nice in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.896036,-74.4811872,3a,75y,287.25h,87.78t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D23.948822%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).  I-88 has its moments (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6798563,-74.397035,3a,60.3y,83.97h,85.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D181.28516%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) too.
This style of post gives me flashbacks to the Illinois is not flat threads. Difference is, when you click the links in this post, you actually get scenic views, not a bunch of trees at the edge of a cornfield.
The irony is that I was focusing on areas webny99 missed while myself missing that he already mentioned I-87 north of Albany, though it still works given that the phrase "I-87 north of Albany" can also refer to one of the most boring stretches of interstate in the state (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1379511,-73.7302337,3a,27.4y,15.9h,88.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1si0UCtt2hPi9pCIDqBrUqJA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) (outside of, say, fresh snow making the trees look like a winter wonderland).