Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
For Illinois, this is a hard question. There's a lot of ins and outs to the whole deal, and a number of different perspectives to take into account between the city versus downstate and car traffic versus truck traffic, and it's I-180. It can only be I-180. Everyone will agree that it's I-180. The whole thing since it's short enough.
In California...
My first thought is Interstate 40 but I haven't been on it yet so don't want to just pick it for that reason. It doesn't serve much in the way of major population centers though.
In Wisconsin, I-39 between Portage and Stevens Point. Lightly travelled through rural areas with no cities of any consequence.
I'll say the portion of I-76 between I-25 and I-70. It didn't exist until the mid 90's, and we'd probably do okay without it.
Chris
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
So the new section of I-265 connecting to the Lewis&Clark bridge is not signed yet but has been approved by AASHTO.
If that is not considered to be a section of interstate until it's signed, then the segment of I-69 south of IN 66 is probably the least important (until that bridge gets built)
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
Then why do you want I-375 demolished?
Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2021, 05:54:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
Then why do you want I-375 demolished?
Because it isolates downtown from the east side, same with I-75 on the north side of downtown and the Lodge on the west side.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
What about I-75 in the UP north of the Mackinac Bridge? I think that it could suffice as a 2 lane road.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 06:12:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
What about I-75 in the UP north of the Mackinac Bridge? I think that it could suffice as a 2 lane road.
It connects to the Canadian border and Sault Ste. Marie. It definitely needs more than two lanes. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is a pretty decent sized area.
I-70 between I-470 and the WV border for Ohio.
As far as the population of Utah is concerned, the part of I-70 between Salina and Green River. Almost all the utility of that stretch is to out-of-state traffic ... which is why it was the last interstate segment in the state to be completed.
For Arizona, it's probably I-8 between I-10 and AZ-85 at Gila Bend.
The stretches of I-10 and I-40 in the western part of the state are on major transcontinental routes.
Except for game days, I-394 east of I-94 in Minneapolis always seems lightly trafficked to me.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
In Georgia it's I-59. (Entire segment from AL border to I-24 interchange)
For NY, I would think it's I-86 east of Binghamton. Heck, that would probably STILL be true even if I-86 were finished (up to ~Liberty or so)! Hence why that project has no momentum right now, as much as I'd like to see it finished.
Even the US 219 freeway (which has even less momentum right now) is arguably a more necessary project (whether that would still be true if the existing corridor was four lanes divided like NY 17 is debatable).
Texas I-44. 'nuff said?
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I-64 between I-81 and the West Virginia state line. Carries under 10,000 AADT for most of its route except in a couple small areas that jump to 20,000 AADT.
Strictly looking at traffic volumes, US-29 is more justifiable of an interstate highway or US-58 east of I-95 than that segment of I-64 is.
The construction of I-68 and US-48 largely took away its role of a primary route from West Virginia to DC... it's now mainly for traffic from the west to Charlottesville, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. It's important from a system standpoint, but does not hold much in the way of solely volumes.
I'd say I-64 between I-81 and Richmond does not hold much value in being a long distance route from either the I-81 and I-95 corridors (such as connecting from one to the other), but it's an important route itself and carries around 40,000 AADT throughout, largely connecting Hampton Roads and Richmond to Charlottesville and I-81. As seen above, much of the traffic remains on I-81 South and does not keep going west of there on I-64. It's out of way on a map, but because of it being the only interstate-grade route to the west, it's the fastest route between Hampton Roads and Tennessee. US-58 and US-460 are shorter and mostly four lanes, but take at least 15-20 more minutes due to a maximum speed limit of mostly 60 mph with the occasional short 65 mph bypasses and then various urban areas, as opposed to the continuous 70 mph on I-64 and I-81. It might have more viability of Virginia would change their state law and allow 65 mph on non-limited-access highways. Much of those four lane non-limited-access segments could easily handle 65 mph or even 70 mph.
3di for Virginia... probably I-381 in Bristol. It would be VA-895 in Richmond, but it was never officially given the interstate designation so it does not count.
I know I-75 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has a low VPD count. But I'm still considering that important due to it's connection to Canada. Even though this is in a rather isolated area and not around a lot of population it is the only border crossing for several hundred miles in each direction.
For Oregon, I think it's easily I-82.
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Probably I-93 north of the Parkway.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 10:00:19 PM
I know I-75 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has a low VPD count. But I'm still considering that important due to it's connection to Canada. Even though this is in a rather isolated area and not around a lot of population it is the only border crossing for several hundred miles in each direction.
Sure, it has importance, but could be argued as the
least important out of all the interstates in Michigan?
My example of Virginia is an important highway, yes, but compared to the other busier routes in the state, I'd say it's the least important overall.
Not my state, but for North Carolina... I'd say I-26 north of Asheville or I-73 south of Asheboro... both barely carry above 10,000 AADT.
Indiana: Probably a section of I-69 between I-64 and Bloomington.
Maryland - I would say I-70 between I-695 and the Park-n-Ride to the east.
If I-170 hadn't been decommissioned it would be a candidate.
(And no, I don't believe I-70 will ever be extended to the east/southeast)
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 10:47:38 PM
Maryland - I would say I-70 between I-695 and the Park-n-Ride to the east.
If I-170 hadn't been decommissioned it would be a candidate.
(And no, I don't believe I-70 will ever be extended to the east/southeast)
What about besides that short section? I-68?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:50:11 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 10:47:38 PM
Maryland - I would say I-70 between I-695 and the Park-n-Ride to the east.
If I-170 hadn't been decommissioned it would be a candidate.
(And no, I don't believe I-70 will ever be extended to the east/southeast)
What about besides that short section? I-68?
I think I-68 is reasonably important as it can be a gateway to the west for those who want to avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Breezewood, etc. (Full disclosure - I'm actually planning my next road trip out I-68 two weeks from now).
(Opinion, not fact, follows) I'd argue that I-795 (especially the northern part) is less important than I-68. Or maybe the I-895 spur (the one from MD 2 in Glen Burnie to I-895).
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 11:03:38 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:50:11 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 10:47:38 PM
Maryland - I would say I-70 between I-695 and the Park-n-Ride to the east.
If I-170 hadn't been decommissioned it would be a candidate.
(And no, I don't believe I-70 will ever be extended to the east/southeast)
What about besides that short section? I-68?
I think I-68 is reasonably important as it can be a gateway to the west for those who want to avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Breezewood, etc. (Full disclosure - I'm actually planning my next road trip out I-68 two weeks from now).
(Opinion, not fact, follows) I'd argue that I-795 (especially the northern part) is less important than I-68. Or maybe the I-895 spur (the one from MD 2 in Glen Burnie to I-895).
Speaking as someone who would suffer thru the Reisterstown-Pikesville stretch of MD 140 (which is nonstop shopping centers, gas stations, auto dealers, fast food, etc. for ~10 miles) if not for I-795, I strongly disagree on that one :nod:
As for I-895, I would actually nominate the mainline stretch west of MD 295. In the few times I've traveled the length of I-895, it seems like half the volume exits at the I-895 spur, then most of what's left exits at MD 295, leaving a mostly empty road the rest of the way back to I-95.
(And totally agreed on I-70 east of I-695, by the way!)
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 01, 2021, 05:41:43 PM
In Wisconsin, I-39 between Portage and Stevens Point. Lightly travelled through rural areas with no cities of any consequence.
I-535 has been forgotten yet again . . .
Quote from: thspfc on June 02, 2021, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 01, 2021, 05:41:43 PM
In Wisconsin, I-39 between Portage and Stevens Point. Lightly travelled through rural areas with no cities of any consequence.
I-535 has been forgotten yet again . . .
I used it to commute. Despite the Bong to the south, the Blatnik is greatly appreciated.
Quote from: Rothman on June 02, 2021, 09:32:40 AM
Quote from: thspfc on June 02, 2021, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 01, 2021, 05:41:43 PM
In Wisconsin, I-39 between Portage and Stevens Point. Lightly travelled through rural areas with no cities of any consequence.
I-535 has been forgotten yet again . . .
I used it to commute. Despite the Bong to the south, the Blatnik is greatly appreciated.
I appreciate the Illinois Turnpike of Wisconsin more.
For PA...I-86.
For DE...the section of I-95 north of US 202 to the PA line.
NJ: I-295 south of Camden
NY: I-990
CT: I-384
Illinois is obviously I-180 as has been previously mentioned. If you had to pick a runner-up, I'm willing to bet I-72 and/or I-172 at the western end doesn't get much traffic. I could be completely wrong on that though.
Quote from: Rothman on June 01, 2021, 08:04:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
I'd vote I-391 for MA. VT is easily I-189.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Probably I-93 north of the Parkway.
I'd go for I-393 as least important.
In WA, it would be I-90 east of Ellensburg, because lots of traffic to/from Seattle uses I-82 instead to get to the more populated Rocky Mountain cities of Denver, Cheyenne and Salt Lake City.
In Florida all freeways are important since development seems to be the big source of the economy finding all what was once useless to be now used by patrons who feed the developers.
Quote from: roadman65 on June 02, 2021, 11:39:37 AM
In Florida all freeways are important since development seems to be the big source of the economy finding all what was once useless to be now used by patrons who feed the developers.
If you had to pick one for Florida, I'd imagine some part of I-10 would be the likely candidate.
Quote from: roadman65 on June 02, 2021, 11:39:37 AM
In Florida all freeways are important since development seems to be the big source of the economy finding all what was once useless to be now used by patrons who feed the developers.
What about I-175 or I-375?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2021, 12:13:19 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 02, 2021, 11:39:37 AM
In Florida all freeways are important since development seems to be the big source of the economy finding all what was once useless to be now used by patrons who feed the developers.
What about I-175 or I-375?
Yeah, I'd actually take those over I-10 as being least important.
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 10:57:01 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 01, 2021, 08:04:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
I'd vote I-391 for MA. VT is easily I-189.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Probably I-93 north of the Parkway.
I'd go for I-393 as least important.
For Vermont I would consider I-91 north of I-93, it was deserted when I was on it.
Quote from: Rothman on June 02, 2021, 09:32:40 AM
Quote from: thspfc on June 02, 2021, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 01, 2021, 05:41:43 PM
In Wisconsin, I-39 between Portage and Stevens Point. Lightly travelled through rural areas with no cities of any consequence.
I-535 has been forgotten yet again . . .
I used it to commute. Despite the Bong to the south, the Blatnik is greatly appreciated.
The backups on the Minnesota side would be absolutely hideous whenever they had to close a lane for construction.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2021, 12:21:56 PM
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 10:57:01 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 01, 2021, 08:04:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
I'd vote I-391 for MA. VT is easily I-189.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Probably I-93 north of the Parkway.
I'd go for I-393 as least important.
For Vermont I would consider I-91 north of I-93, it was deserted when I was on it.
Depends what you mean by important. If it's important for local traffic, agree with you and I-189 becomes one of the more important stretches. I was thinking of it in terms of how important it is that a stretch of Interstate highway is in fact an Interstate. I-91 is a relatively important trade corridor between the US and Canada, so it should be an Interstate; on the other hand, it's not essential that there is an Interstate-level highway connecting I-89 and US 7 south of Burlington.
I-15 from Idaho Falls to the Montana border. North from Idaho Falls, US-20 is the more important route than I-15.
Quote from: thspfc on June 02, 2021, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 01, 2021, 05:41:43 PM
In Wisconsin, I-39 between Portage and Stevens Point. Lightly travelled through rural areas with no cities of any consequence.
I-535 has been forgotten yet again . . .
I-535 gets almost three times the daily traffic that portions of I-39 get. Just south of Hancock, I-39 gets just over 10,000 vehicles per day. Almost every portion of the oft-ridiculed WI-26 in Jefferson County gets more than that.
For New Mexico, I-10 is probably less important than I-25 or I-40. For Arizona, there is only a small short segment of I-15 that enters the state.
For Kentucky, I-69 -- in particular the portion between Mayfield and I-24.
Not counting I-69, and I will admit to not always remembering it's a fully signed and sanctioned interstate route in Kentucky now, I'd say I-24. It carries a lot of out-of-state traffic, but really is not of any in-state significance between the WK Parkway and the Tennessee state line.
For West Virginia, I-68, because again, it's of little use to in-state travelers except local traffic between Bruceton Mills and Morgantown. It's more beneficial to out-of-staters trying to get to Baltimore (via I-70 :-D :-D :-D ) or Washington DC.
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 10:57:01 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 01, 2021, 08:04:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
I'd vote I-391 for MA.
I-391 is definitely overbuilt. Not sure what the numbers are for it, though. I mean, if you take a lane off either side, I'm sure there is still a commuter flow on it.
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 01:17:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2021, 12:21:56 PM
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 10:57:01 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 01, 2021, 08:04:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
I'd vote I-391 for MA. VT is easily I-189.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Probably I-93 north of the Parkway.
I'd go for I-393 as least important.
For Vermont I would consider I-91 north of I-93, it was deserted when I was on it.
Depends what you mean by important. If it's important for local traffic, agree with you and I-189 becomes one of the more important stretches. I was thinking of it in terms of how important it is that a stretch of Interstate highway is in fact an Interstate. I-91 is a relatively important trade corridor between the US and Canada, so it should be an Interstate; on the other hand, it's not essential that there is an Interstate-level highway connecting I-89 and US 7 south of Burlington.
Just wondering if the traffic between the US and Canada could be accommodated by US 5 or not.
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 02, 2021, 08:22:12 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 11:03:38 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:50:11 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 10:47:38 PM
Maryland - I would say I-70 between I-695 and the Park-n-Ride to the east.
If I-170 hadn't been decommissioned it would be a candidate.
(And no, I don't believe I-70 will ever be extended to the east/southeast)
What about besides that short section? I-68?
I think I-68 is reasonably important as it can be a gateway to the west for those who want to avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Breezewood, etc. (Full disclosure - I'm actually planning my next road trip out I-68 two weeks from now).
(Opinion, not fact, follows) I'd argue that I-795 (especially the northern part) is less important than I-68. Or maybe the I-895 spur (the one from MD 2 in Glen Burnie to I-895).
Speaking as someone who would suffer thru the Reisterstown-Pikesville stretch of MD 140 (which is nonstop shopping centers, gas stations, auto dealers, fast food, etc. for ~10 miles) if not for I-795, I strongly disagree on that one :nod:
As for I-895, I would actually nominate the mainline stretch west of MD 295. In the few times I've traveled the length of I-895, it seems like half the volume exits at the I-895 spur, then most of what's left exits at MD 295, leaving a mostly empty road the rest of the way back to I-95.
(And totally agreed on I-70 east of I-695, by the way!)
As far as I-795, I guess I was in a tough position. Having driven the Reisterstown Road slog myself, I do understand. Kind of wanted to say "All interstates in Maryland are important", but that comes off as narcissistic. That's why I hedged a bit and said the northern part.
You do have a good point about I-895. The segment from I-95 (south end) to US 1 is nowadays kind of irrelevant since that traffic likely prefers the Ft. McHenry tunnel instead.
In Arkansas, anything that turns into I-69 would be my vote unless they actually reconsider and have it more closely follow US-79 with a southern Mississippi River crossing in the Tunica area. None that have actually been built in the state would be what I would call superfluous.
For Louisiana, interstate 59. For Texas, interstate 44 and 49.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Uhhhhh hi?
The answer is definitely I-393 though.
Quote from: Konza on June 01, 2021, 07:12:22 PM
For Arizona, it's probably I-8 between I-10 and AZ-85 at Gila Bend.
Isn't that part of a bypass route of Phoenix along with AZ-85?
I would think I-19 would be less important than that.
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on June 03, 2021, 12:34:33 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Uhhhhh hi?
The answer is definitely I-393 though.
I forgot that you moved.
Quote from: achilles765 on June 03, 2021, 10:27:26 AM
For Louisiana, interstate 59. For Texas, interstate 44 and 49.
I quite agree with the I-44 assessment. I-49 will come to mean a lot once I-69 / I-369 is completed to Texarkana. BTW, ground has not been broken on ANY of the I-49 Texas miles.
As to I-59 in Louisiana, I disagree. From a commercial traffic day to day point perhaps. From a Hurricane evacuation route it is the NUMBER ONE evacuation route from New Orleans.
As to which one I would choose, before the advent of the rapid growth in Lafayette, I would have said I-49. Not sure it still isn't.
If you asked someone in south Louisiana they might say I-20. Clearly I-310 is the less used one..
As being someone who who really knows NOTHING about the traffic patterns in New Orleans beyond casual visits, I think I-10 (Claiborne Expressway) from US-90B to I-610 probably is one of those urban removals that could be advantageous especially with I-610. The other side of I-10 (Pontchartrain Expressway) should definitely stay and connect to US-90B.
It's possible you get the same answer for both Iowa and Nebraska, I-129.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2021, 02:22:51 PM
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 01:17:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2021, 12:21:56 PM
Quote from: dkblake on June 02, 2021, 10:57:01 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 01, 2021, 08:04:48 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Section of interstate, not interstate. I would go with I-190 or I-91 north of Greenfield for Massachusetts.
I-190. At least I-91 connects Springfield to Vermont.
I'd vote I-391 for MA. VT is easily I-189.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 10:34:32 PM
Since nobody lives in NH on this forum:
Probably I-93 north of the Parkway.
I'd go for I-393 as least important.
For Vermont I would consider I-91 north of I-93, it was deserted when I was on it.
Depends what you mean by important. If it's important for local traffic, agree with you and I-189 becomes one of the more important stretches. I was thinking of it in terms of how important it is that a stretch of Interstate highway is in fact an Interstate. I-91 is a relatively important trade corridor between the US and Canada, so it should be an Interstate; on the other hand, it's not essential that there is an Interstate-level highway connecting I-89 and US 7 south of Burlington.
Just wondering if the traffic between the US and Canada could be accommodated by US 5 or not.
Probably not- I think US 5 is mostly two-lane, and I don't think terrain would allow easy improvements to accommodate long-haul truck traffic. However, I think that solution would allow you to accept US 5 as a US route :)
A bit hard-pressed to pick one out in CA; just about every section of every Interstate has significant local and/or inter-state utility, regardless of vehicle count. But since it primarily serves only local San Diego traffic and is a stub, I'd have to say I-8 from its western terminus east to I-5.
Quote from: TheGrassGuy on June 02, 2021, 10:16:34 AM
NJ: I-295 south of Camden
NY: I-990
CT: I-384
For CT, I'd also say I-395 north of CT 2.
RI: I-295 between US 6 and RI 146.
Quote from: bwana39 on June 03, 2021, 02:24:09 PM
As being someone who who really knows NOTHING about the traffic patterns in New Orleans beyond casual visits, I think I-10 (Claiborne Expressway) from US-90B to I-610 probably is one of those urban removals that could be advantageous especially with I-610. The other side of I-10 (Pontchartrain Expressway) should definitely stay and connect to US-90B.
So I guess to hell with anyone coming from I-10 east of I-610 heading to the Westbank. You're cutting off a major artery by removing that segment of I-10.
For Nevada, I-80 east of Elko and particularly east of US 93 at Wells has a fairly low traffic count. A pretty high percentage of it is long-distance truck traffic, though, and between Wells and West Wendover it crosses over a significant mountain pass, nearly 7000 feet elevation at the summit. If this were a two-lane highway it would need extensive passing lanes and truck lanes.
Any extension of I-11 from Las Vegas toward Reno would become the correct answer to this question for the foreseeable future. Two-lane US 95, with very limited passing lanes north of Mercury, serves its purpose adequately for now.
Quote from: gonealookin on June 03, 2021, 07:53:34 PM
For Nevada, I-80 east of Elko and particularly east of US 93 at Wells has a fairly low traffic count. A pretty high percentage of it is long-distance truck traffic, though, and between Wells and West Wendover it crosses over a significant mountain pass, nearly 7000 feet elevation at the summit. If this were a two-lane highway it would need extensive passing lanes and truck lanes.
Any extension of I-11 from Las Vegas toward Reno would become the correct answer to this question for the foreseeable future. Two-lane US 95, with very limited passing lanes north of Mercury, serves its purpose adequately for now.
For now is the operative phrase here. Population dynamics were and are the factor that drove the designation extension of I-11 into northern NV. Also -- at least via anecdotal evidence -- the traffic levels on US 95 have markedly increased over the past several years; I have a friend with homes in Henderson and Reno and who "toggles" between the two nearly every month to 6 weeks who constantly comments about ever-increasing traffic -- even during the COVID period -- dominated by commercial trucks. Also, the Fallon/Fernley/Silver Springs area is witnessing quite a bit of development, particularly as a retirement "mecca" (relatively low housing costs and growing housing stock, much of it in 55+ planned communities). And the I-11 discussion inevitably cites the Boise/Treasure Valley area as the likely destination of any further extension of this corridor due to its own outsized growth pattern. So while at present the mostly 2-lane US 95 does handle current overall traffic levels adequately, regional demographic projections indicate that won't be the case within 10-15 years. Of course, there will be sections of that corridor which, like I-80 in northeastern NV, will feature sparser traffic than in more populated areas -- but that didn't stop I-90 across SD and Wyoming or I-15 from Idaho Falls to Butte, among other Interstate corridors in rural regions.
Quote from: vdeane on June 01, 2021, 08:42:16 PM
For NY, I would think it's I-86 east of Binghamton. Heck, that would probably STILL be true even if I-86 were finished (up to ~Liberty or so)! Hence why that project has no momentum right now, as much as I'd like to see it finished.
Even the US 219 freeway (which has even less momentum right now) is arguably a more necessary project (whether that would still be true if the existing corridor was four lanes divided like NY 17 is debatable).
What about I-587?
I-585 in SC. All it is is basically a spur from downtown Spartanburg to business I-85 and regular I-85. I'd say I-185 is even less important. Mostly a little used toll road that most people forget even exists between I-85 and I-385.
Quote from: Sctvhound on June 05, 2021, 12:07:38 AM
I-585 in SC. All it is is basically a spur from downtown Spartanburg to business I-85 and regular I-85.
I-585 as a number could be removed.
- Very short
- Interchange with I-85 is a diamond
- Completely overlapped with US 176
- Exit numbers follow US 176's mileage
Quote from: SkyPesos on June 05, 2021, 12:31:22 AM
- Interchange with I-85 is a diamond
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
Quote from: sbeaver44 on June 04, 2021, 11:02:12 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 01, 2021, 08:42:16 PM
For NY, I would think it's I-86 east of Binghamton. Heck, that would probably STILL be true even if I-86 were finished (up to ~Liberty or so)! Hence why that project has no momentum right now, as much as I'd like to see it finished.
Even the US 219 freeway (which has even less momentum right now) is arguably a more necessary project (whether that would still be true if the existing corridor was four lanes divided like NY 17 is debatable).
What about I-587?
Provides a connection to Kingston. Stupid designation, but still important.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 06:12:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
What about I-75 in the UP north of the Mackinac Bridge? I think that it could suffice as a 2 lane road.
IMO a very bad idea.
I-95 in Maine between Bangor and Houlton (border with New Brunswick, Canada) was built in the 1960's as a Super-2, though it did widen out to four lanes divided at the interchanges only. Many drivers made the fatal mistake of assuming that they were on a four lane divided highway, resulting in deadly head-on crashes.
Even now, the traffic volumes on this part of I-95 are low (at Houlton, not far from the border, AADT in 2018 was less than 2,000 and at Smyrna, about 12 miles south (really compass west) of Houlton they were about 5,000) and if not for the safety problem, a Super-2 would probably be adequate.
Missouri has to be I-72. It enters the state for a few miles only to end at US 36 (which 72 is concurrent to) & 61, consisting of a grand total of two exits.
The OP said sections of interstates, not interstates, but 72 in MO can't really be divided up in to sections.
For New Jersey, it would be I-76 or I-676. They both go to Philadelphia.
Quote from: dlsterner on June 02, 2021, 07:34:26 PM
As far as I-795, I guess I was in a tough position. Having driven the Reisterstown Road slog myself, I do understand. Kind of wanted to say "All interstates in Maryland are important", but that comes off as narcissistic. That's why I hedged a bit and said the northern part.
You do have a good point about I-895. The segment from I-95 (south end) to US 1 is nowadays kind of irrelevant since that traffic likely prefers the Ft. McHenry tunnel instead.
I-895 is important in its entire length.
It provides network redundancy in case there is a serious incident that requires a hard closure of I-95 anywhere between the termini of I-895.
And though placarded loads are not allowed through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the approach to the tunnel and the Exit 9 (Childs Street) ramps (off northbound and on southbound just north of the toll plaza and before the tunnel portal) is an important HAZMAT route for truck traffic to and from petroleum product terminals and tank farms in the Fairfield and Curtis Bay areas of Baltimore City.
I personally prefer I-895 over I-95 through Baltimore. The toll is the same, if there's no construction on I-895 it is generally a faster and more-reliable trip than I-95, and two of the bumpiest bridges on I-895 have been completely replaced recently (Patapsco Flats between I-895B (Exit 6) and MD-295 (Exit 4); and Canton Viaduct between Holabird Avenue (Exit 10) and the north tunnel portal.
There was a multi-fatal truck crash about ten years ago involving a load of gasoline (which was loaded at Fairfield) on southbound I-895 approaching I-95 in Howard County that resulted from the driver of the truck becoming incapacitated and the tractor and tank trailer falling off of I-895 and onto I-95. In the resulting explosion and fire, the driver was burned beyond recognition, so state and federal investigators were never able to determine why he lost control of the truck. Southbound I-895 has been modified since then to reduce the likelihood of that happening again.
That crash, the firefighting response and the investigation required an extended closure of both I-95 and I-895, and traffic was diverted to U.S. 1 (not a good choice); MD-295 (not much of a better choice); and I-70 (a better choice to U.S. 29 to MD-100).
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 05, 2021, 03:31:34 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on June 02, 2021, 07:34:26 PM
As far as I-795, I guess I was in a tough position. Having driven the Reisterstown Road slog myself, I do understand. Kind of wanted to say "All interstates in Maryland are important", but that comes off as narcissistic. That's why I hedged a bit and said the northern part.
You do have a good point about I-895. The segment from I-95 (south end) to US 1 is nowadays kind of irrelevant since that traffic likely prefers the Ft. McHenry tunnel instead.
I-895 is important in its entire length.
It provides network redundancy in case there is a serious incident that requires a hard closure of I-95 anywhere between the termini of I-895.
And though placarded loads are not allowed through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the approach to the tunnel and the Exit 9 (Childs Street) ramps (off northbound and on southbound just north of the toll plaza and before the tunnel portal) is an important HAZMAT route for truck traffic to and from petroleum product terminals and tank farms in the Fairfield and Curtis Bay areas of Baltimore City.
I personally prefer I-895 over I-95 through Baltimore. The toll is the same, if there's no construction on I-895 it is generally a faster and more-reliable trip than I-95, and two of the bumpiest bridges on I-895 have been completely replaced recently (Patapsco Flats between I-895B (Exit 6) and MD-295 (Exit 4); and Canton Viaduct between Holabird Avenue (Exit 10) and the north tunnel portal.
There was a multi-fatal truck crash about ten years ago involving a load of gasoline (which was loaded at Fairfield) on southbound I-895 approaching I-95 in Howard County that resulted from the driver of the truck becoming incapacitated and the tractor and tank trailer falling off of I-895 and onto I-95. In the resulting explosion and fire, the driver was burned beyond recognition, so state and federal investigators were never able to determine why he lost control of the truck. Southbound I-895 has been modified since then to reduce the likelihood of that happening again.
That crash, the firefighting response and the investigation required an extended closure of both I-95 and I-895, and traffic was diverted to U.S. 1 (not a good choice); MD-295 (not much of a better choice); and I-70 (a better choice to U.S. 29 to MD-100).
I remember that crash from about ten years ago quite well. I was working near BWI at the time, and word of the crash spread quickly, and many of us ended up scrambling to choose an alternate way home that would avoid the fallout.
I guess when I think about it, other than the I-70 segment at the Park-n-Ride, every interstate segment has importance. I was trying to come up with the "least important of the important" segment, which I should know better than to try to answer. I think I'll just stick with my original answer (below).
Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2021, 10:47:38 PM
Maryland - I would say I-70 between I-695 and the Park-n-Ride to the east.
If I-170 hadn't been decommissioned it would be a candidate.
(And no, I don't believe I-70 will ever be extended to the east/southeast)
For Rhode Island, I would go with I-295.
During Covid, I-5 (WA) north of Bellingham since the border is closed to nonessential travel. Otherwise, I-182 probably has less traffic than any other Interstate in the state, but it's still pretty important since it's just a glorified section of US-12.
While there are interstates with sections of far fewer vehicle numbers, I'm going with I-510 in Louisiana. The other 3di interstates either serve greater traffic numbers, or in places like Lake Charles, are one of the only choices for bridge crossings. 510 if I had to guess, got the designation for the NASA center in that area of New Orleans. The designation doesn't reach the bridge that serves Chalmette and beyond.
iPhone
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 01, 2021, 06:12:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 01, 2021, 05:51:45 PM
Nothing in Michigan is unimportant.
What about I-75 in the UP north of the Mackinac Bridge? I think that it could suffice as a 2 lane road.
Have you ever been there?
For the winter half of the year, yes, a 2 lane road would be OK.
For the rest of the year, 2 lanes would suffice about half the time.
But for the busy holiday and weekend periods, 1 lane each way is just not enough. If a lane is closed for construction, there are backups.
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on June 05, 2021, 02:25:17 PM
For New Jersey, it would be I-76 or I-676. They both go to Philadelphia.
Not sure about that. They are very important in connecting Philadelphia with Southern New Jersey.
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the section of I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the section of I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
I'd have to agree with that. I-280 is an important link especially considering the Glass City Skyway replacing the old drawbridge. And I-490 like you said is an important link between I-90 and I-77 in Cleveland
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the section of I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the section of I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
I thought that would be pretty important as a link for I-90, but there are a lot of alternative routings that I could see why this section isn't as important. Between both I-90 points, I-80/I-480/I-71 is the same length as using I-90, and for bypassing Cleveland, I-80/I-480/I-271 is only a mile longer. And of course OH 2 for shunpiking.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Some might but google recommends I-90.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Some might but google recommends I-90.
The I-80/I-90 Ohio Turnpike is the main, most direct route.
The other routes mentioned, like US-20 or OH-2, are not the primary connections. They are shunpiking alternatives, but not the main route.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Some might but google recommends I-90.
You just asked what most traffic takes between Chicago and Cleveland if they don't take I-90, I gave you an answer and you come back with Google suggesting I-90? I thought you said if not I-90.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 08:56:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Some might but google recommends I-90.
You just asked what most traffic takes between Chicago and Cleveland if they don't take I-90, I gave you an answer and you come back with Google suggesting I-90? I thought you said if not I-90.
I said it a bit wrong. I was asking if most traffic takes I-90, and if they don't what do they use.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 08:56:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Some might but google recommends I-90.
You just asked what most traffic takes between Chicago and Cleveland if they don't take I-90, I gave you an answer and you come back with Google suggesting I-90? I thought you said if not I-90.
I said it a bit wrong. I was asking if most traffic takes I-90, and if they don't what do they use.
Most traffic uses the Indiana Toll Road in the Ohio Turnpike. West of Toledo there aren't really any great shun piking alternatives. East of Toledo OH-2 works well. It's a freeway east of Port Clinton.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on June 05, 2021, 04:01:24 PM
During Covid, I-5 (WA) north of Bellingham since the border is closed to nonessential travel. Otherwise, I-182 probably has less traffic than any other Interstate in the state, but it's still pretty important since it's just a glorified section of US-12.
I would imagine I-5 north of Bellingham is still important for truckers as commercial traffic can still cross the border
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 10:22:42 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 08:56:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 06, 2021, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on June 06, 2021, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: Skye on June 05, 2021, 09:30:07 PM
Quote from: US 89 on June 05, 2021, 10:28:21 AM
I think it was determined earlier this year that 585 does not even reach 85.
According to Travel Mapping it does not. And although I don't live in SC, I've been there quite a few times and would agree on 585 being removed.
For my state of Ohio, the obvious choice is the little known I-290 in Downtown Cleveland, a mere 2.25 miles long. Runner up, Toledo I-280.
It's I-490 in Cleveland, not I-290. And it provides the only connection from I-90 EB to I-77 SB and I-77 NB to I-90 WB.
I-280 is the main connection from I-75 from Detroit to I-80/I-90 EB and the east coast.
I'd suggest for Ohio that the least important is the sectionof I-90 between the Turnpike and Ohio 2. It's a lightly used approximately 2 mile section between two heavily used freeways.
What does most Chicago to Cleveland traffic use if not I-90?
Mostly US-20 west of Toledo and then OH-2 east of Toledo.
Some might but google recommends I-90.
You just asked what most traffic takes between Chicago and Cleveland if they don't take I-90, I gave you an answer and you come back with Google suggesting I-90? I thought you said if not I-90.
I said it a bit wrong. I was asking if most traffic takes I-90, and if they don't what do they use.
Most traffic uses the Indiana Toll Road in the Ohio Turnpike. West of Toledo there aren't really any great shun piking alternatives. East of Toledo OH-2 works well. It's a freeway east of Port Clinton.
I think it depends on where you are in Cleveland or the broader metro area or traffic. From downtown you could stay on I-90 or take I-71 to I-480 to the Turnpike.
Personally, I think I-680 wins the least important Ohio interstate. I also don't think I-277 necessarily needs to be an Interstate- it could simply be US 224 and I don't think anyone would care.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on June 02, 2021, 10:46:13 AM
Illinois is obviously I-180 as has been previously mentioned. If you had to pick a runner-up, I'm willing to bet I-72 and/or I-172 at the western end doesn't get much traffic. I could be completely wrong on that though.
One surprising candidate I have is I-55 from Dwight to Bloomington. If it had never been built, the 4-lane US 66 expressway would've sufficed nearly as well as I-55, with a stoplight or 2 every 10 miles. I was on the original construction of this section of I-55 and remember everyone zipping along at 70 mph on the old route while we were building the new one.
Quote from: Rick Powell on June 10, 2021, 09:17:39 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on June 02, 2021, 10:46:13 AM
Illinois is obviously I-180 as has been previously mentioned. If you had to pick a runner-up, I'm willing to bet I-72 and/or I-172 at the western end doesn't get much traffic. I could be completely wrong on that though.
One surprising candidate I have is I-55 from Dwight to Bloomington. If it had never been built, the 4-lane US 66 expressway would've sufficed nearly as well as I-55, with a stoplight or 2 every 10 miles. I was on the original construction of this section of I-55 and remember everyone zipping along at 70 mph on the old route while we were building the new one.
No all interstate connection between Chicago and St. Louis wouldn't really work.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2021, 09:37:23 PM
Quote from: Rick Powell on June 10, 2021, 09:17:39 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on June 02, 2021, 10:46:13 AM
Illinois is obviously I-180 as has been previously mentioned. If you had to pick a runner-up, I'm willing to bet I-72 and/or I-172 at the western end doesn't get much traffic. I could be completely wrong on that though.
One surprising candidate I have is I-55 from Dwight to Bloomington. If it had never been built, the 4-lane US 66 expressway would've sufficed nearly as well as I-55, with a stoplight or 2 every 10 miles. I was on the original construction of this section of I-55 and remember everyone zipping along at 70 mph on the old route while we were building the new one.
No all interstate connection between Chicago and St. Louis wouldn't really work.
I-57 → I-70 is still pretty direct.
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 02, 2021, 12:17:47 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2021, 12:13:19 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 02, 2021, 11:39:37 AM
In Florida all freeways are important since development seems to be the big source of the economy finding all what was once useless to be now used by patrons who feed the developers.
What about I-175 or I-375?
Yeah, I'd actually take those over I-10 as being least important.
Before I saw this, I was gonna say Alligator Alley. I've never been on it, but I'm sure there's a reason it's the only significant section of I-75 south of Chattanooga with less than 6 lanes.
Quote from: DandyDan on June 03, 2021, 03:02:52 PM
It's possible you get the same answer for both Iowa and Nebraska, I-129.
I completely forgot about this, so it must be the winner! Other candidates, IMO, are I-680 west of I-29, and I-29 south of I-880. I don't know enough about traffic patterns in western Iowa to refine it any further, except that there's not as much population (and therefore traffic) as there is in the central and eastern parts of the state.
Quote from: bassoon1986 on June 05, 2021, 05:14:03 PM
While there are interstates with sections of far fewer vehicle numbers, I'm going with I-510 in Louisiana. The other 3di interstates either serve greater traffic numbers, or in places like Lake Charles, are one of the only choices for bridge crossings. 510 if I had to guess, got the designation for the NASA center in that area of New Orleans. The designation doesn't reach the bridge that serves Chalmette and beyond.
iPhone
The NASA facility is one reason. A bigger reason though, is that in the late 80's, and 90s, there was a lot of effort to try to make New Orleans East into a master planned suburban area. They built a theme park, called Jazzland first then bought by Six Flags and renamed Six Flags New Orleans. They had hoped development and people would start to flock to that area, especially since it was away from the city, and it was close to Chalmette and St Bernard parish.
But, it never happened. Very little development actually came and hardly anyone wanted to live out there because it was so far way from everything about New Orleans that makes it New Orleans. Plus its basically pure swamp out there. Then Katrina hit in 2005 and that side of the metro area was decimated and still isn't fully recovered 16 years later.
So I agree 510 is incredibly pointless. Ive driven it out of curiosity and never seen more than a couple of cars. I 310 is much busier.
The Illinois Interstate 180 is definitely the least important section in the state, and possibly the least important section in the country.
Wikipedia says it was built to serve a steel mill, which closed almost immediately after it was built. It goes to a town of about a thousand people, from there you have to take state highways to Peoria.