Hierarchy of Interstates in Your State (from Most Vital Highways thread)

[Thing 342]

Since somebody already did Virginia, I'll do the Carolinas. I don't really have any particular explanation as to why I ranked them so, these are mostly just my gut feelings and are totally up for debate.

North Carolina:
1. I-40
2. I-85
T3. I-77
T3. I-95
5. I-26
6. I-440
7. I-277
8. I-485
9. I-74
10. I-495
11. I-540
12. I-240
13. I-140
14. I-840
15. I-73
16. I-795
17. I-785

South Carolina:
1. I-26
2. I-85
3. I-95
4. I-20
5. I-77
6. I-385
7. I-526
8. I-520
8. I-126
9. I-185
10. I-585

[corco]

Arizona (should be pretty simple, as there are only four interstate highways that crisscross the state):

I-10, connecting Phoenix to Los Angeles, as well as the road being a transcontinental highway. The most heavily-traveled freeway in Phoenix.

I-17, connecting Phoenix to Flagstaff.

I-40 across the northern part of the state, paralleling old Route 66.

I-8 connecting Casa Grande to San Diego.

I-19 to the Mexican Border

Forgot one.

And I-15. Though its safe to say that's the least important.

I would definitely put I-15 at least above I-19 and possibly one or 2 spots above that.  I-15 funnels traffic from Utah and states east and north into Vegas and Southern California.  Maybe as not as busy as I-15 south of Sin City, but it's more of a major cross-country, long distance travel route than I-19 and I-17.

The I-19 connection to Mexico puts a billion dollars into Arizona's economy every year, so I'd put it quite a bit higher than I-15 for the state of Arizona. I'd debatably put it above I-8 too. If we're talking importance to Arizona, I'd probably put I-8 and I-19 above I-40, since I-40 doesn't really connect any Arizona population centers besides Kingman or connect Phoenix or Tucson to any major population centers outside Arizona besides Albuquerque/Denver. I'd hazard that the Phoenix/Tucson to Hermosillo/Guadalajara corridor is more important to the state of Arizona than the Phoenix to Albuquerque/Denver corridor for the state of Arizona, though.


Shifting gears, Idaho is a tricky one:
1. I-84 (connects the core of Idaho's population to Salt Lake, Portland, and Seattle. Also serves as an important part of Idaho's east-west highway network)
2. I-15 (connects Idaho's eastern population center to Salt Lake and Boise)
3. I-90 (connects CDA to Spokane and Seattle)
4. I-86 (this is a tricky one- the freeway itself doesn't serve much population, but it's a key piece linking Boise to the east half of the state, so it's pretty darned important to Idaho. Could be above I-90, but the traffic counts on I-90 west of CDA probably put it in front)
5. I-184 (important, but not a key part of a regional freeway network).

Montana is a bit easier:
1. I-90 (connects all of Montana's populated cities except Great Falls and partially Helena, connects Montana to regional hubs Seattle and Denver)
2. I-94 (connects western Montana to eastern Montana, particularly important in light of the oil boom. Also connects eastern Montana to Minneapolis)
3. I-15 (connects Great Falls to Helena, Butte, and Calgary but not to Missoula or Billings)
4. I-315
5. I-115

[mjb2002]

Since North Carolina's have already been done by two people, I'm gonna let it go. I'm also going to do Georgia's.

South Carolina:
1. I-95
2. I-20
3. I-85
4. I-26
5. I-74 (if it is ever built)
6. I-77
7. I-385
8. I-520
9. I-526
10. S.C. 277
11. I-126
12. I-185
13. S.C. 22
14. I-585
15. S.C. 31

Georgia:

1. I-75
2. I-95
3. I-20
4. I-85
5. I-16
6. I-285
7. I-516
8. I-675
9. I-985
10. I-520
11. I-575
12. I-475
13. I-185
14. I-59
15. I-24

[OCGuy81]

Minnesota:
1 (tie): I-94/I-35
3. I-494
4. I-694
5. I-394
6. I-535
7. I-90

Curious what the deciding factor was on 494 vs 694, both essentially the same beltway. Traffic? 494 having access to MSP?

[Charles2]

Alabama

(1) I-65: The longest interstate in Alabama, it connects Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville (via I-565).  It's truly Alabama's Main Street.

(2) I-20: Connects Alabama's largest city with Georgia's largest city, also a vital through route as it connects Atlanta (150 miles to the east of Birmingham) with Dallas (650 miles to the west)

(3) I-59: Connects Birmingham with Tuscaloosa; more importantly it connects New Orleans with the Northeast (albeit via I-59, I-24, I-75, I-40 and I-81).

(4) I-459: Serves as a bypass of the city of Birmingham, thus relieving inner-city congestion on I-20/59.

(5) I-85: Not so much for connecting Montgomery with Atlanta, but for serving as part of the connecting route between New Orleans and Atlanta (via I-10, I-65 and I-85).

(6) I-22 (if it ever gets completed).  Birmingham and Memphis have long needed this connecting route.  Anyone who has ever traveled between the two cities via US-78 can vouch for this.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Minnesota:
1 (tie): I-94/I-35
3. I-494
4. I-694
5. I-394
6. I-535
7. I-90

Curious what the deciding factor was on 494 vs 694, both essentially the same beltway. Traffic? 494 having access to MSP?

MSP, and I gave it bonus points for hitting more important suburbs like Bloomington (including Mall of America) and Eden Prairie.

It gets points for being more frustrating than I-694 too: it has more lanes and worse traffic than 694.   

EDIT: I realize 494/694 is a beltway, but in my mind they are separate routes with distinct characteristics. I don't know if froggie or kdog or other former/current MN residents see it the same way I do but to me 494 and 694 are not one and the same.

[roadfro]

Nevada:

I-15
I-80
I-515
I-580
I-215 (even considering ultimate buildout)

I ranked these based on what I perceive to be economic importance to the state, much of that being predicated on tourism but also other factors. I-15 edges out I-80 due to the sheer amount of tourism brought in along the corridor...although I-80 is probably more important from a movement of goods perspective (especially as the future main access to the Tesla site). 580 is more important for regional connectivity than 215, since it has the tourism aspect providing connections to the Lake Tahoe region...but I think 515 beats them both with the Arizona connection.

[OCGuy81]

Makes sense. Does 494 also see more thru traffic?

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Makes sense. Does 494 also see more thru traffic?

694 probably sees more of that because it's the "officially marked" bypass route, as well as being shorter than 494. But it depends on where you're headed.

[nwi_navigator_1181]

Here's Indiana:

1. Tie: I-80 and I-90: As I stated in the "Most Vital Highway" thread, this duplex is the only one in Northern Indiana that feeds into Ohio, and serves as a bigger part of a connection from Chicago to NYC. Being two of the longest east-west interstates in the country and a major part of Midwest travel, few can go far quickly without them. Worth the toll to zip through.

2. I-65: The only north-south interstate serving Northwest Indiana, it's the optimal route from Chicago to Indianapolis, and a major component to linking with other major Southeastern cities, whether directly (Louisville, Nashville), or indirectly (Cincinnati, Atlanta). That's a big reason why many here are advocating a full-state widening of I-65 in Indiana; traffic can be heavy in pockets.

3. I-70: The major east-west Interstate of Central Indiana, connecting Indianapolis to major cities such as St. Louis, Denver, Baltimore, and (almost) Pittsburgh. Unlike the Toll Road and I-65, there is a decent alternate route in I-74.

4. I-69: While not yet built to its fullest potential (the southwest portion from Indianapolis to Evansville is still under construction), this road is integral to linking Northeast Indiana to Indianapolis, Lansing, and Canada. If the rest of this highway is ever built, the vitality of this highway will be increased exponentially.

5. I-94: The biggest reason it's so low on the list is because it covers a very short distance in Indiana (46 miles). However, it plays a large role in connecting the Lake Michigan shore cities (Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids indirectly), as well as serving the Upper Midwest. It also serves as a good segue into other portions of the country due to its duplex with I-80.

6. I-74: While not as heavily prominent as the above Interstates, it serves well as a quick connection from Cincinnati to the Quad Cities and beyond while completely taking Chicago out of the equation.

I really don't rate the bypasses since I'm not familiar enough with them to rate. However, I'd rate I-465 well above I-469 because of how the major interstates converge near the circle.

[txstateends]

I'll give TX a try, I would have to make guesses on some based on hearsay....

I-35
I-10
I-20
I-45
I-635
I-610
I-410
I-820
I-345
I-27
I-37
I-44
I-69 (this will surely go up the list as more of it is done in the state)
I-69E
I-2
I-69C
I-69W
I-110
Future I-49 (whenever this happens)

Again, I may be off on a few, and I haven't had the pleasure of all of them yet.  I grouped the big 3di's together as they are pretty important to each of their respective cities.

[ajlynch91]

Debatable...

Illinois

1) I-55 - The 2nd longest freeway in Illinois, tying Chicago and St. Louis together.
2) I-94 - The road from Chicago to Milwaukee, including the northern suburbs and Gurnee.
3) I-90 - Chicago to Rockford, Seattle to Boston.
4) I-294 - The bypass around Chicago, as well as the way most interstate travel between Indiana and Wisconsin use.
5) I-80 - The most important East-West freeway in the state
6) I-74 - Connects the Quad Cities, Peoria, Bloomington, and Indianapolis
7) I-57 - Better used than I-55 for connecting Chicago to the south
8) I-70 - St. Louis to Indianapolis connector
9) I-290 - Connects Chicago with the suburbs and points north
10) I-39 - More important in the overall scheme of the US-51 corridor
11) I-24 - Although very short in Illinois, connects (by proxy) St. Louis and the Southeast
12) I-64 - Another St. Louis - southeast/east connector
13) I-88 - Bypass of I-80, suburban connector to I-290
14) I-355 - Bypass of the city
15) I-255 - St. Louis Bypass
16) I-270 - same
17) I-72 - connector from Hannibal, MO to Champaign, IL, and doesn't cross a city larger than about 150,000 people in its entirety.
18) I-190 - Would be higher up if it were longer, but it's an airport spur.
19) I-155 - Springfield/Peoria connection
20) I-474 - Peoria Bypass
21) I-280 - Quad cities bypass
22) I-172 - Bypass around......Quincy??




99) I-180 - Pointless

[froggie]

I agree with HighwayMan regarding I-494 and I-694 being separate routes, but I'm going to disagree on his hierarchy...

#1:  I-94.  Only route to hit both the largest city and the state capitol (also the 2nd largest city).  MAJOR industrial (direct access to the Bakken oil fields), recreational (more lakes traffic than I-35) and agricultural corridor.

#2:  I-35.  Close behind I-94.  Major agricultural and shipping (south of the metro) corridor.  I'm including I-35W and I-35E within I-35.

#3:  I-494.  MSP airport, major commercial real estate (the Bloomington Strip and in Plymouth).  Part of it is the 3rd busiest Interstate in the state (behind I-35W and I-94).

#4:  I-90.  Major transcontinental and agricultural corridor.  Though it doesn't see the traffic volumes of the Metro Area interstates, it's a major economic corridor for the southern part of the state.

#5:  I-694.  Minneapolis/St. Paul bypass.

#6:  I-394.

#7:  I-535.  The "runt".

[OCGuy81]

I'll give TX a try, I would have to make guesses on some based on hearsay....

I-35
I-10
I-20
I-45
I-635
I-610
I-410
I-820
I-345
I-27
I-37
I-44
I-69 (this will surely go up the list as more of it is done in the state)
I-69E
I-2
I-69C
I-69W
I-110
Future I-49 (whenever this happens)

Good list.  Just curious where you'd put I-30 and I-40.

[Henry]

Debatable...

Illinois

99) I-180 - Pointless

[nwi_navigator_1181]

I seriously don't know how I forgot I-64 in Indiana. The level of importance is as high for Southern Indiana as I-80/90 is for Northern Indiana. I-64 plays a big role in connecting St. Louis to major Southeastern and Central East Coast cities. Also, I'm sure it's playing a huge role in bypassing Louisiville while the Ohio River bridges Project is in progress. Speaking of which...

I-265 is insignificant now, but once the East End Bridge is finished, it will be an effective way to link I-64, I-65, and I-71, while avoiding Downtown Louisville altogether.

With these Interstates, here's the revised hierarchy of Indiana:

I-80/90
I-65
I-70
I-64
I-69
I-94
I-74
I-465/I-865 (the dog leg of the Indianapolis Beltway)
I-469
I-265 (for now, will definitely move up after 2016)
I-275 (it's in Indiana, so I'm listing it)

[thenetwork]

Here's a tough one...

OHIO: 

- I-71
- I-75
- I-70
- I-90
- I-80
- I-76
- I-74
- I-480
- I-270
- I-280
- I-275
- I-475
- I-670
- I-675
- I-680
- I-470
- I-490
- I-277

[OCGuy81]

Here is another that might be a bit tricky.  Missouri.  I should preface this one by saying I've never driven anywhere in Missouri. 

I-70: Connects St. Louis and KC, the two largest metro areas in the state.
I-44: Connects St. Louis to Springfield and points further west (Tulsa, OKC) and even, by proxy, south like Dallas.
I-35: Major north-south corridor providing traffic from Dallas in the south, to the MSP area in the north.
I-55:  Connecting St. Louis to both Chicago and destinations in the south
I-29
I-435
I-270
I-49: Will increase in importance once completed in other states.
I-64
I-670
I-635
I-170
I-57
I-72

[adventurernumber1]

@OCGuy, ya forgot I-155 for Missouri, but that'd have to be at the very bottom of the list anyway 

Ya also forgot Interstate 255, but that wouldn't be too far up the list either I wouldn't think.

[texaskdog]

Minnesota:

1 (tie): I-94/I-35
3. I-494
4. I-694
5. I-394
6. I-535
7. I-90

How is 535 more vital than 90?

[Kacie Jane]

I THINK I got em all. I know, I know, 905 WILL be signed someday, and 305 is hidden, so I left them off.

What, no I-40?  I'd put it right after I-10 in importance to California.

Washington:

I-5 and I-90 tie for first
I-82
I-405
I-205
I-705
I-182

I'd argue that I-705 should be tied with I-182 -- factoring I-705's lack of length and I-182's lack of vehicles.

I would put I-5 solidly above I-90 -- connecting Seattle to Portland and Vancouver seems to be more important than connecting it to Spokane (not to mention on a micro scale, connecting Seattle to Tacoma and Everett is vitally important, although Bellevue is important as well).

I'd also put I-405 above I-82, since I'd rank the Eastside (that is, the east side of the lake) over Eastern Washington (the east side of the mountains).

I don't have a strong opinion on 705 vs. 182.  My gut says 705, but by now you've probably realized I have a huge bias toward Puget Sound.

[OCGuy81]

@OCGuy, ya forgot I-155 for Missouri, but that'd have to be at the very bottom of the list anyway 

Ya also forgot Interstate 255, but that wouldn't be too far up the list either I wouldn't think.

Thanks! I knew I'd probably left one or two off. 

You're right, those would be best near the bottom, though probably above I-72.

[kkt]

Washington:

I-5 and I-90 tie for first
I-82
I-405
I-205
I-705
I-182

I'd argue that I-705 should be tied with I-182 -- factoring I-705's lack of length and I-182's lack of vehicles.

I would put I-5 solidly above I-90 -- connecting Seattle to Portland and Vancouver seems to be more important than connecting it to Spokane (not to mention on a micro scale, connecting Seattle to Tacoma and Everett is vitally important, although Bellevue is important as well).

I-90 isn't just Puget Sound's connection to Spokane, it's Washington's connection to the northern Midwest and Northeast.

I'd also put I-405 above I-82, since I'd rank the Eastside (that is, the east side of the lake) over Eastern Washington (the east side of the mountains).

Again, it's not just about western Washington to eastern Washington.  I-82 is Washington's connection to the intermountain West, southern Midwest, and Southeast.  Even California at times -- I-5 is a bit shorter but more prone to bad weather than I-82 to US 97.

I don't have a strong opinion on 705 vs. 182.  My gut says 705, but by now you've probably realized I have a huge bias toward Puget Sound.

I agree it would be easier to live without I-182 than I-705.

[jeffandnicole]

Here's a tough one...

OHIO: 

• I-71
• I-75
• I-70
• I-90
• I-80
• I-76
• I-74
• I-480
• I-270
• I-280
• I-275
• I-475
• I-670
• I-675
• I-680
• I-470
• I-490
• I-277

I-77 ?

[nwi_navigator_1181]

Here's a tough one...

OHIO: 

- I-71
- I-75
- I-70
- I-90
- I-80
- I-76
- I-74
- I-480
- I-270
- I-280
- I-275
- I-475
- I-670
- I-675
- I-680
- I-470
- I-490
- I-277

I-77 ?

I'd chalk that up to an overlook, albeit a big one. I-77 gives Cleveland travelers direct access to the rest of Eastern Ohio and the mountain country down south.