Gnutella posted a great answer to another thread about the most vital highway in a given state, listing a hierarchy of Interstates in Pennsylvania.
Sounded like a great idea for a new thread. Can you create a hierarchy of the interstates in your state from most important to least?
I'll take a crack at California.
I-5: It's a tough call, but I'd put I-5 as the most important to California for several reasons. First off, it connects northern and southern, and while not directly serving San Francisco, it does serve other major cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Some might argue that the cities in the Central Valley are bypassed, but I maintain I-5 as the most vital. Plus, it's the only interstate that has termini at international borders on both ends, and is a huge artery of the west coast.
I-80: Connecting the Bay Area to I-5, Sacramento, and points east.
This is where I had a bit more trouble, and may have some disagreeing with me.
I-15: I put this over I-10 because of the growth along it in San Berdoo, Riverside, and northern San Diego counties, as well as the heavy traffic along it en route to Las Vegas.
I-10: A vital connection for LA to points east.
I-405: The artery of the western LA area, and southern Orange County.
I-880: Heavily used highway in the east bay, connecting Oakland to San Jose
I-805: Just as vital to San Diego as the 5, and often busier, at least in some spots.
I-580: Another vital connection from the bay area to the 5.
I-210: Provides a bypass of downtown LA to the east.
I-680: Connects San Jose to growing east bay burbs
I-215: Alleviates (well, not really) traffic on some bad areas of the 15 in Riverside County.
I-280: Connecting San Francisco to San Jose (though 101 is more direct)
I-710: Connects downtown LA to the port of Long Beach
I-105: Link to LAX
I-605: Alternative to the 5 in LA County
I-505: Allows SB travellers on the 5 to reach I-80 and SF
I-110: Long Beach into downtown LA, similar to 710.
I-780: Provides a link from 80 to 680 and some state freeways/far eastern bay area burbs
I-605: Reliever to the 5 in LA County
I-380: Connector from 280 to SFO
I-205: Allows 580 traffic a connection to 5 and Scaramento
I-238: Roadgeeks rejoice, it made the bottom of the list.
I THINK I got em all. I know, I know, 905 WILL be signed someday, and 305 is hidden, so I left them off.
Oregon:
I-5
I-84
I-205
I-405
I-82
I-105
It'd get a little harder inserting in US 26 (Sunset Highway), OR 217, US 30 (Industrial), OR 22 (North Santiam), OR 569, OR 126 (Eugene-Springfield), and Delta Highway.
Hmm, this should be interesting, so I'll try my hand at New Jersey:
1. I-95 and the New Jersey Turnpike
This was a given, the Turnpike is probably the most important highway in the state. It provides access to major points throughout the state, and to Delaware and New York.
2. I-287
I'll give 287 my #2 mainly because it provides access to both New York City as well as upstate New York (via I-87).
3. I-80
80 is major because it provides access to the GWB from the north-central parts of the state, and links several major cities (Paterson, Hackensack, etc.) as well.
4. I-78
78 is only here for the reasons that it provides access to Newark Liberty International Airport, as well as the Holland Tunnel. West of Essex County... it's not too important honestly.
5. I-278
While I hate I-278 immensely (not so much in Jersey, just the part in Staten Island and Brooklyn), it still provides access to Staten Island and the rest of New York City, so it's decently important.
6. I-295
Provides access to the Trenton area, the Camden area, as well as south Jersey and Delaware.
7. I-676
Connects Camden to Philadelphia. I put it over I-76 because it seems like more people use 676 when I was in Philadelphia compared to I-76.
8. I-76
Again, provides access to Philadelphia in the Camden area. I'm personally not sure which one of these is more important.
9. I-280
A nice connector between the Turnpike, I-80, and Newark and The Oranges. Other than that... not really sure.
10. I-195
Connects Trenton to the Turnpike and the Jersey Shore. It's more important when everyone is traveling to the shore, but other than that, it's more of a way for people to connect to the Turnpike coming from Pennsylvania.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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
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.
QuoteWhat, no I-40? I'd put it right after I-10 in importance to California.
Knew I was forgetting one! Thanks, and I think your placement for it works.
I'll do ALL of New England, since it is about the size of some larger states. 3dis are assumed to be non-Maine ones unless specified to be in Maine.
1. I-95
2. I-93
3. I-91
4. I-90
5. I-84
6. I-495
7. I-395
8. I-195
9. I-295
10. I-89
11. I-295 (Maine)
12. I-290
13. I-87 (not in New England, but still used by people with start and end points both in New England)
14. I-291 (Connecticut)
15. I-293
16. I-691
17. I-190
18. I-291 (Massachusetts)
19. I-391
20. I-384
21. I-393
22. I-684
23. I-395 (Maine)
24. I-195 (Maine)
25. I-189
Quote from: hm insulators on January 27, 2015, 12:52:37 PM
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.
I'll take a stab at this for Virginia.
I-95: I think it's more important than I-81 because it carries so much in-state traffic going from one part of the state to another. I-81 is important, but a lot of the long-distance truck traffic is just passing through.
I-81: I rank it ahead of I-64 because of its importance as a thru route and because I-64 has more good alternative routes (US-460; VA-5; US-60; US-17; US-250; US-33).
I-495: The Capital Beltway. Northern Virginia would choke without it.
I-64: Connects the populated areas of Hampton Roads to the rest of the Commonwealth and to I-95 and I-81.
I-395: Connects I-95 to the District of Columbia.
I-66: Connects I-81 to the I-95 corridor and to the District of Columbia. I think I-66 is an important connector in a similar way to I-78 further north in that both allow movement between two major north-south corridors and can represent "transfer points" of a sort.
I-264: Backbone of the Hampton Roads region.
I-664: Without it, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel would be even worse than it is. I could potentially flip this and I-264.
I-295: Richmond/Petersburg bypass route. Traffic in Richmond used to get pretty bad before this opened (recognizing the tolls then in place made it worse). It'd be much worse today without this road, but at the same time, the road is arguably overbuilt in some places for the traffic it carries. While that's not a bad thing, it suggests maybe it's less important than it was intended to be.
I-85: Connects the I-95 corridor to the population and business centers of the South in Atlanta and Charlotte. It's an important route nationally, but I don't think it's particularly significant in the scheme of things for most Virginians.
I-77: While it's a useful route south to Charlotte, I don't think it provides anything indispensable that could not be reasonably accomplished via other roads. For most of the Commonwealth's population, it's just as easy to use US-29 down to Greensboro, or some other route to I-85 (such as I-95, I-64, or US-58).
I-581: Connects downtown Roanoke and Salem to I-81. Roanoke is by far the most important population center in Southwest Virginia.
I-464: I've never driven on this road and I don't have a great sense for this versus I-195. I ranked it higher just because it looks like a longer route that would serve more traffic. Relief route connecting the south side of Hampton Roads to downtown Norfolk and to I-264.
I-195: Relief route for the western side of downtown Richmond connecting the Powhite Parkway to I-95 and I-64. It wouldn't be the end of the world if this weren't there.
I-564: Kind of a tossup between this and I-381 since neither is of much importance to the vast majority of Virginians (and I have never driven on either one to help inform my thoughts). I-564 serves the naval base in Norfolk. I put it higher than I-381 because I think Norfolk is more important to the Commonwealth than Bristol. Most people probably think of Bristol as being in Tennessee anyway because that's where the speedway is.
I-381: See above. Bristol is a long way from anywhere.
If the infamous I-366 were designated as such, I'd probably slot it between I-85 and I-77 on the above list.
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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.
I-8? I-980?
Quote from: Zeffy on January 27, 2015, 12:41:00 PM
4. I-78
78 is only here for the reasons that it provides access to Newark Liberty International Airport, as well as the Holland Tunnel. West of Essex County... it's not too important honestly.
Connects NYC metro to Allentown, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, etc. It might not serve much in the western part of NJ, but if it weren't there, you'd feel it big time.
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2015, 01:07:38 PM
13. I-87 (not in New England, but still used by people with start and end points both in New England)
And let's not forget I-495 (NY), which does serve important portions of New England such as Suffolk County. ;-)
Iowa:
I-80
I-35
I-380
I-29
I-235
I-74
I-480
I-680
I-280
I-129
This is pretty straightforward; I put I-380 before I-29 because it serves more population centers within the state, even though I-29 is more important for interstate traffic. I was on the fence about prioritizing urban freeways (480, 74, 235) vs. bypasses (280, 680), but I'm satisfied where I put them.
Good luck to whoever decides to do this with Illinois.
Kentucky:
I-75
I-65
I-64
I-264
I-275
I-265
I-71
I-471
I-24
West Virginia:
I-77
I-64
I-79
I-470
I-70
I-68
QuoteI-8? I-980?
Wow, I knew I typed this early in the morning, but wow.... :crazy:
Thanks for catching those.
I'd put I-8 right after I-10, and 980 between 605 and 505.
Florida is like this.
1- I-95 is the major through route to Miami from the northeast and serves all the Atlantic Coastal communities.
2- I-75 is the major connection to the Central part of the US for tourism and is a good trucking route between Indy via I-24 and I-65, Cincinnati, Detroit, Atlanta, and Tampa. South of Tampa it is main thoroughfare for all the SW FL cities especially the latest development of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties. Though built in 1985, it now comes to be a route Florida cannot live without.
3- I-4 serves all of Central Florida as well as being the main freeway of Orlando. Links Lakeland, Winter Haven, Kissimmee, Orlando, Sanford, Deltona, and Daytona Beach together.
4- I-10 is the major east west route along the southern Gulf, and provides commerce between Jacksonville, Mobile, New Orleans, and Houston.
5- I-275 is a regional commuter route for the Tampa Bay area linking both sides of the Bay as well as providing work bound traffic between Tampa and Pasco/ Hernando Counties.
6- I-595 is the link to the Port from the I-75 corridor and allows tourists arriving in Fort Lauderdale International access to the SW Florida cities of Naples and Fort Myers.
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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'll see if I can give this a shot with Georgia, but other Georgians may have a better list and be more knowledgeable with all the traffic counts on the interstates and such, for I am still young and have much knowledge to gain. But here it goes!! :spin:
1. I-75: There is no doubt at all Interstate 75 is the most important interstate to Georgia. It serves the Atlanta Metro Area, as well as the smaller Macon & Valdosta areas, and it connects much of Georgia to points south and north. It is a major route for vacationers coming from the Great Lakes area down to the South and Florida. It also passes by the busiest airport in the world (Atlanta's). And the fact that I-75 is continuously at least three lanes each way through the entire state (with the exception of I-475 being 3 lanes each way in Macon), even through the rural parts of south GA, further proves just how important and highly used I-75 in Georgia is.
2. I-95: I say I-95 would have to be second because of it being a major route for northeasterners coming down to the beaches and vacation spots of Florida. It also passes by the Savannah area and the smaller but decent-sized Brunswick area, as well as all the coastal towns and beaches in Georgia. And it, like I-75, is at least three lanes each way through the state to prove its importance.
3. I-85: It was a hard decision for third place between I-85 & I-20 but I'd have to say Interstate 85 takes the spot. It serves the Atlanta Metro Area, and it connects it with the third largest city in the state (via I-185). It also connects Georgia with Montgomery, Greenville SC, Charlotte, and other points northeast. It also passes by the very busy Atlanta Airport.
4. I-20: Interstate 20 is as well very vital for Georgia, as it connects the first and second largest cities in the state, and it connects Georgia with other points east and west.
5. I-285: Interstate 285 is very vital for the Atlanta Metro Area, and it can't do its job on its own so an outer Atlanta beltway would be so very useful. I-285 is already clogged up with traffic, so if it disappeared...well...Lord have mercy on the surface streets in Atlanta :-D
6. I-16: Interstate 16 is important as it connects Savannah with Macon, and Atlanta (via I-75). It is also an important route for trucks coming west from the busy Savannah port. I-16 also serves (while it is a part of the state with little population) many towns in rural middle and eastern Georgia, and gets them on the interstate system.
7. I-185: I'd have to say Interstate 185 earns its spot here as it connects the third largest city in the state (Columbus) with the interstate system, and the huge Atlanta Metro Area (via I-85). Without I-185, Columbus would be rather isolated from the interstate system, which wouldn't be good for a city of its size.
8. I-475: Interstate 475 is pretty important as it has its job as a bypass for Macon. Many of those many travelers on I-75 coming from points north down to Florida would make great use out of I-475, and it would be rather crazy without the interstate, especially since I-75 is only 4 overall lanes through much of the Macon area.
9. I-520: Interstate 520 is very important for the Augusta area, as it serves as a southern bypass.
10. I-675: I might have to say I-675 is next, as it is important for travelers on I-75 (coming from points south of the Atlanta Metro Area) to hitch a ride onto the eastern part of the I-285 beltway if needing to do so.
11. I-985: Interstate 985 is important in connecting the northeastern-most suburbs of Atlanta (and northeastern GA) with I-85 and the rest of Atlanta. It also serves quite a few suburbs and the decently-sized Gainesville.
12. I-575: Interstate 575 is not far at all behind I-985 in importance, for it connects many northern Atlanta suburbs with I-75 and the rest of Atlanta. It also connects some of the Atlanta area with the Appalachain mountains. It serves quite a few suburbs, too.
13. I-59: Interstate 59 passes through so little of Georgia (a very sparsely populated area, too) that it's disappearance wouldn't cause too much havoc. But it does connect the northwest tip of Georgia with I-24 and Alabama.
14. I-24: Pretty much for the same reason above. It goes through too little of Georgia for its disappearance to cause too much havoc for Georgia. However, it is still important, particularly for people wanting to go from Chattanooga to Nashville or from Chattanooga to Birmingham (via I-59).
15. I-516: Finally, we have Interstate 516. While it is decently important for the Savannah area, it is very, very short, and its disappearance wouldn't cause the earth to stop orbit :D
Quote from: KEK Inc. on January 27, 2015, 05:25:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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.
Possible. I was trying to think in terms of how inconvenient it would be to return to whatever there was before the interstate was built, and I had the impression there was lots of traffic congestion in Tacoma between train tracks and truck and stadium traffic.
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2015, 01:08:27 PM
Quote from: hm insulators on January 27, 2015, 12:52:37 PM
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. :spin: Though its safe to say that's the least important.
Here's the list I posted in the other topic...
Hierarchy of Interstates in Pennsylvania
1. I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike)
Serves Pennsylvania's two largest metropolitan areas and its state capital/fifth-largest metropolitan area
2. I-476 (Northeast Extension)
Serves three of Pennsylvania's four largest metropolitan areas
3. I-95
Serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and functions as the primary corridor for the most heavily populated region of the United States
4. I-81
Serves two of Pennsylvania's five largest metropolitan areas and its state capital, and functions as an international trade corridor between the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Lawrence Seaway
5. I-78
Serves two of Pennsylvania's five largest metropolitan areas and its state capital, and functions as a direct route between the New York metropolitan area and the interior of Pennsylvania
6. I-79
Serves the Pittsburgh and Erie metropolitan areas, and functions as an emerging international trade corridor between the Carolinas and Canada's "Golden Horseshoe"
7. I-84
Serves the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, and functions as a direct route between Pennsylvania and New England
8. I-80
Indirectly serves the State College, Williamsport and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan areas, and functions as an express corridor between the New York and Chicago metropolitan areas
9. I-83
Serves the Harrisburg and York metropolitan areas, and functions as a direct route from the interior of Pennsylvania to Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay
10. I-99
Serves the Altoona, State College and Williamsport metropolitan areas, and functions as a necessary north/south corridor in central Pennsylvania
11. I-376
Serves the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, and functions as a connection to the industrial towns in the Beaver, Mahoning and Shenango River Valleys
12. I-90
Serves the Erie metropolitan area, and functions as a connection to other Great Lakes metropolitan areas
13. I-180
Serves the Williamsport metropolitan area, and functions as a segment of an international trade corridor between the Chesapeake Bay/Hampton Roads and Canada's "Golden Horseshoe"
14. I-380
Serves the Scranton/Wilkes Barre metropolitan area and the Pocono Mountains, and functions as a direct route between western New York and the New York metropolitan area.
15. I-176/I-276/I-279/I-283/I-579/I-676 (tie)
Serves local traffic in various Pennsylvania metropolitan areas.
21. I-86
Serves the southern tier of upstate New York.
Somebody already did Georgia, but I had a few quibbles with it because I try to rank Interstates based on both their intrastate and interstate needs. So here go...
Hierarchy of Interstates in Georgia
1. I-75
Serves Atlanta and Macon plus Albany indirectly, and functions as an international trade and domestic tourism corridor
2. I-85
Serves Atlanta plus Columbus and Athens indirectly, and functions as the main corridor for the emerging Piedmont megalopolis
3. I-20
Serves Atlanta and Augusta, and functions as the primary east/west corridor across the deep South
4. I-16
Serves Macon and Savannah plus Atlanta indirectly, and functions as an emerging international trade corridor
5. I-95
Serves Savannah and coastal Georgia, and functions as an international trade and domestic tourism corridor
6. I-285
Functions as the lone beltway in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S.
7. I-475
Functions as a bypass of Macon for long-distance travelers
8. I-185
Serves Columbus, and functions as a domestic tourism corridor
9. I-985
Serves Gainesville, and functions as a direct route from Atlanta to the north Georgia mountains
10. I-675
Functions as a shortcut between I-75 and I-285 near Atlanta
11. I-59
Serves barely anything in Georgia, but functions as an international trade corridor
12. I-516/I-520 (tie)
Serves local traffic in various Georgia metropolitan areas
13. I-24
Serves Tennessee.
Connecticut:
1. Interstate 91 and 95 (Tie): Both are pretty important interstates. I-91 connects New Haven to Hartford, while I-95 connects most of CT to NYC, Boston, etc.
2. Interstate 84: The only major E-W interstate in CT. It serves Danbury, Waterbury, and Hartford.
3. Interstate 395: Connects the I-95 corridor to the casinos and Worcester, Mass.
4. Interstate 691: Interstate 691: Connects I-91 to I-84 and vice versa.
5. Interstate 384: Connects I-84 to the eastern Hartford suburbs and Providence via US 6 or US 44.
6. Interstate 291: Serves as a bypass route for Hartford (It should be a full route..). Connects I-91 to I-84.
Delaware:
I-95: Obvious reasons
I-295: Only connection to New Jersey, handles a lot of regional traffic
I-495: If the bridge failure last summer demonstrated anything it's that this road is an incredibly important bypass
WYOMING.........
1. I-80
2. I-25
3. I-90
4. I-180
Quote from: pumpkineater2 on January 27, 2015, 07:32:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2015, 01:08:27 PM
Quote from: hm insulators on January 27, 2015, 12:52:37 PM
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. :spin: 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.
COLORADO:
- I-25
- I-70
- I-225
- I-270
- I-76
Although personally, I would put I-70 above I-25 mainly for its vital link between Denver and points west, but I-25 overall has more traffic per mile across more of it's presence in CO than I-70 does, thanks to it's desolation east of Denver.
OK here goes nothing...
SOUTH CAROLINA:
I-26
I-85
I-95
I-77
I-73 (if they ever build it, this is my guess as to where it would land)
I-20
I-385
I-126
I-526
I-185
I-520
I-585
TENNESSEE:
I-40
I-24
I-75
I-65
I-81
I-240
I-55
I-26
I-640
I-440
I-275
I-140
I-124
TN 840 (let's think of it an interstate for these purposes)
I-155
NORTH CAROLINA:
I-40 & I-85 tied for 1st
I-77
I-95
I-26
I-440
I-485
I-240
I-277
I-540
I-73 (at least around Greensboro)
I-495 (I believe it's non-future around the Knightdale bypass)
I-74 (at least from Winston-Salem to High Point)
I-795
I-140
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
Quote from: thenetwork on January 27, 2015, 10:34:09 PM
Quote from: pumpkineater2 on January 27, 2015, 07:32:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2015, 01:08:27 PM
Quote from: hm insulators on January 27, 2015, 12:52:37 PM
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. :spin: 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
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
QuoteMinnesota:
1 (tie): I-94/I-35
3. I-494
4. I-694
5. I-394
6. I-535
7. I-90Quote
Curious what the deciding factor was on 494 vs 694, both essentially the same beltway. Traffic? 494 having access to MSP?
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.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 11:17:09 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 27, 2015, 11:17:09 PM
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. :banghead: :banghead:
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.
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.
Makes sense. Does 494 also see more thru traffic?
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 28, 2015, 12:23:53 AM
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.
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.
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.
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
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".
QuoteI'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.
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)
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
Here is another that might be a bit tricky. Missouri. I should preface this one by saying I've never driven anywhere in Missouri. :biggrin:
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
@OCGuy, ya forgot I-155 for Missouri, but that'd have to be at the very bottom of the list anyway :D
Ya also forgot Interstate 255, but that wouldn't be too far up the list either I wouldn't think.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 27, 2015, 08:21:47 PM
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?
Quote from: KEK Inc. on January 27, 2015, 05:25:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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.
Quote@OCGuy, ya forgot I-155 for Missouri, but that'd have to be at the very bottom of the list anyway :D
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.
Quote from: Kacie Jane on January 28, 2015, 12:07:11 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on January 27, 2015, 05:25:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
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.
Quote
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.
Quote
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.
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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 ?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 28, 2015, 01:04:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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.
Here's my list for Texas.
I-35/E/W the big, obvious one
I-10 connects big cities, trans-continental
I-20 major DFW route, and connects to east coast and I-10
I-45 connects big cities, connects DFW to coast
I-30 major DFW route, connects to northeast
I-410/610/635/820 loops important to their cities
I-345 very important connector, lower rank than loops due to short length and availability of bypasses
I-69 an important Houston area route, but with a big gap
I-2 along with
I-69E important regional routes
I-37 not a major route, but a big improvement over US 181
I-40 fairly important route overall, but important to a fairly small and lightly populated part of Texas
I-27 connects Amarillo to everything south, an important job, but other roads could do it
I-44 most efficient route to the northeast for a small section of Texas
I-110 maybe shouldn't be this low, but I don't know where to put it
I-69C/W until they're extended and connect they're not much more than pretty signs
QuoteHere's my list for Texas.
I-35/E/W the big, obvious one
I-10 connects big cities, trans-continental
I-20 major DFW route, and connects to east coast and I-10
I-45 connects big cities, connects DFW to coast
I-30 major DFW route, connects to northeast
I-410/610/635/820 loops important to their cities
I-345 very important connector, lower rank than loops due to short length and availability of bypasses
I-69 an important Houston area route, but with a big gap
I-2 along with
I-69E important regional routes
I-37 not a major route, but a big improvement over US 181
I-40 fairly important route overall, but important to a fairly small and lightly populated part of Texas
I-27 connects Amarillo to everything south, an important job, but other roads could do it
I-44 most efficient route to the northeast for a small section of Texas
I-110 maybe shouldn't be this low, but I don't know where to put it
I-69C/W until they're extended and connect they're not much more than pretty signs
And 369? :-P
Enjoying these quite a bit, and thought I'd try another that's sort of middle of the country, with a decent amount of interstates. This time, Wisconsin.
I-94: Some could argue I-90, being the transcontinental route that it is, but for Wisconsin, I'd say 94 is the most important. It connects the two largest metro areas, Milwaukee and Madison, with the largest metro areas of adjoining states (MSP, Minn. and Chicago, IL)
I-43: Probably shocking not to have I-90 as the runner up, but I think 43 serves more of Wisconsin's major cities, like Milwaukee and Green Bay. While 90 does connect Madison with Chicago, I-90 after it splits from 94 in western Wisconsin doesn't seem as vital as linking Milwaukee with Green Bay.
I-90: Connects La Crosse with Madison and onto Chicago after that.
I-894: Heavily used bypass around Milwaukee for either Chicago or Madison bound traffic.
I-39: Serves the middle of the state....debatable whether or not it's needed, I know (as US 51 does the job just fine)
I-794: Port of Milwaukee to downtown Milwaukee and the heavily used interstates 94 and 43.
I-535: The orphan
Note: Once 41 is official, I'd put it before 43.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 28, 2015, 03:20:58 PM
And 369? :-P
I knew I'd forget one. I don't give that one any credit, since it's just a case of placing new signs on an existing freeway. I'd put it at the bottom with 69C/W. Maybe write it as (3)69(C/W)
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 28, 2015, 01:04:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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 ?
Dang it, I knew I'd leave one off, and it would be one that used to be in my back yard!!!
REVISED OHIO:
- I-71
- I-75
- I-70
- I-90
- I-77- 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
Quote from: nwi_navigator_1181 on January 28, 2015, 10:32:10 AM
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-469
I-265 (for now, will definitely move up after 2016)
I-275 (it's in Indiana, so I'm listing it)
Do I sense a bit of northwest bias? :biggrin:
If I were to make the list, I would switch 65 and 80/90, and reverse 64, 69, and 94. Also, would I be wrong in assuming I-865 would go with I-465?
I haven't seen Michigan yet.
I-94
I-75
I-96
I-696
I-275
I-69
I-196
I-496
I-475
I-675
Edit: I-375
I-194
I-296 (if it were signed, I'd move it up 3 or 4 places)
Utah
I 15 (placed this over I 80 given its local and regional importance)
I 80
I 70
I 84
I 215
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
Gnutella posted a great answer to another thread about the most vital highway in a given state, listing a hierarchy of Interstates in Pennsylvania.
Sounded like a great idea for a new thread. Can you create a hierarchy of the interstates in your state from most important to least?
I'll take a crack at California.
I-5: It's a tough call, but I'd put I-5 as the most important to California for several reasons. First off, it connects northern and southern, and while not directly serving San Francisco, it does serve other major cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Some might argue that the cities in the Central Valley are bypassed, but I maintain I-5 as the most vital. Plus, it's the only interstate that has termini at international borders on both ends, and is a huge artery of the west coast.
I-80: Connecting the Bay Area to I-5, Sacramento, and points east.
This is where I had a bit more trouble, and may have some disagreeing with me.
I-15: I put this over I-10 because of the growth along it in San Berdoo, Riverside, and northern San Diego counties, as well as the heavy traffic along it en route to Las Vegas.
I-10: A vital connection for LA to points east.
I-405: The artery of the western LA area, and southern Orange County.
I-880: Heavily used highway in the east bay, connecting Oakland to San Jose
I-805: Just as vital to San Diego as the 5, and often busier, at least in some spots.
I-580: Another vital connection from the bay area to the 5.
I-210: Provides a bypass of downtown LA to the east.
I-680: Connects San Jose to growing east bay burbs
I-215: Alleviates (well, not really) traffic on some bad areas of the 15 in Riverside County.
I-280: Connecting San Francisco to San Jose (though 101 is more direct)
I-710: Connects downtown LA to the port of Long Beach
I-105: Link to LAX
I-605: Alternative to the 5 in LA County
I-505: Allows SB travellers on the 5 to reach I-80 and SF
I-110: Long Beach into downtown LA, similar to 710.
I-780: Provides a link from 80 to 680 and some state freeways/far eastern bay area burbs
I-605: Reliever to the 5 in LA County
I-380: Connector from 280 to SFO
I-205: Allows 580 traffic a connection to 5 and Scaramento
I-238: Roadgeeks rejoice, it made the bottom of the list.
I THINK I got em all. I know, I know, 905 WILL be signed someday, and 305 is hidden, so I left them off.
I would include I 305 (Sacramento). It's hidden but more important than several of those lower on the list.
Quote from: pianocello on January 28, 2015, 07:33:37 PM
Quote from: nwi_navigator_1181 on January 28, 2015, 10:32:10 AM
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-469
I-265 (for now, will definitely move up after 2016)
I-275 (it's in Indiana, so I'm listing it)
Do I sense a bit of northwest bias? :biggrin:
If I were to make the list, I would switch 65 and 80/90, and reverse 64, 69, and 94. Also, would I be wrong in assuming I-865 would go with I-465?
Maybe. :)
If anything, I would argue that I-65 would be as important North-South as I-80/90 would be East-West. Otherwise, I can see your argument. I just use the state coverage factor as part of my hierarchy, and I-94 covers such a small part.
As for I-865, I will edit my earlier post to reflect what you said, because you're right.
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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 agree with that if you switched I-705 and I-182. As someone who used to live in Richland, I-182 is very important in the Tri-Cities, and the road network there would fall apart without it. Tacoma could survive fine without I-705 (assuming a surface street with connection to I-5 in its place).
Lemme see for the three states I've lived in
Mississippi:
I-55 obvious
I-20
I-59
I-10
I-22
I-220
I-110
Louisiana:
I-10 the obvious number one. Connects to the main coast to coast route, as well as connecting four of the largest cities in the stage including the capital(Baton Rouge) and largest city and tourist destination (New Orleans)
I-49 the major north-south route connecting the northern and southern parts of the state and provides a route through central louisiana, giving Alexandria a freeway. Plus with the extensions in progress, it will become an even bigger corridor connecting to the Midwest.
I-20 major east-west route for north louisiana
I-55 major route heading to Chicago
I-59
I-210
I-220
I-110
I-310
I-610
I-510
QuoteMississippi:
I-55 obvious
I-20
I-59
I-10
I-22
I-220
I-110
I would argue I-20 over I-55 and I-10 over I-59.
I know this is not an interstate, but it should be in the running which is why I purposely left it out of my list of interstates, is the Florida Turnpike. It does carry a lot of traffic between Central and South Florida. Though heavily tolled it does act as an alternate along its way as well to the busy I-95 from Fort Pierce to Miami which has enough traffic problems of its own in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami- Dade Counties.
Quote from: Charles2 on January 27, 2015, 11:27:24 PM
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.
I 10?
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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 471?
Arkansas:
I 40
I 30
I 55
I 49
I 440
I 540
I 530
I 630
I 430
No I-555?
Quote from: pianocello on January 28, 2015, 07:33:37 PM
Quote from: nwi_navigator_1181 on January 28, 2015, 10:32:10 AM
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-469
I-265 (for now, will definitely move up after 2016)
I-275 (it's in Indiana, so I'm listing it)
Do I sense a bit of northwest bias? :biggrin:
If I were to make the list, I would switch 65 and 80/90, and reverse 64, 69, and 94. Also, would I be wrong in assuming I-865 would go with I-465?
I'd actually make the Borman/I-80/I-94 it's own entry and put that at the top of the list simply for the sheer number of vehicles (especially trucks) that use that corridor.
Quote from: robbones on January 29, 2015, 10:39:57 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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 471?
RE-REVISED OHIO:
• I-71
• I-75
• I-70
• I-90
• I-77
• 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-471• I-277
Quote from: froggie on January 29, 2015, 11:18:01 AM
No I-555?
If it ever gets designated, I would put it below I 540
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2015, 07:47:15 PM
I haven't seen Michigan yet.
I-94
I-75
I-96
I-696
I-275
I-69
I-196
I-496
I-475
I-675
Edit: I-375
I-194
I-296 (if it were signed, I'd move it up 3 or 4 places)
I've never been to Michigan, but shouldn't I-96 be at the top of the list? It connects the state capital with the two largest cities.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 28, 2015, 09:45:36 AM
QuoteI'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.
Oh crap.... I was at work the other night when I posted, and completely brain-farted on those 2. Thanx OCguy. I'd have to stick I-40 at the upper end, even though it's not one of the longer interstates in TX, simply because of the amount of truck traffic and its place along a nearly coast-to-coast interstate. I might be wrong about I-30, but again, as before, I don't get to very many roads often, nor have I been on every interstate in TX.
And now, the update:
I-35 (oops, didn't split the E & W before, I guess since they come back together)
I-10
I-20
I-45
I-30
I-40
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
I-369 (for now, till more is done to extend it)
Future I-49 (whenever this happens)
(Saw the "No I-369?" posting, forgot this one too, I guess since it's so new and I shouldn't do this at work or when tired.....)
Quote from: Gnutella on January 29, 2015, 03:15:52 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2015, 07:47:15 PM
I haven't seen Michigan yet.
I-94
I-75
I-96
I-696
I-275
I-69
I-196
I-496
I-475
I-675
Edit: I-375
I-194
I-296 (if it were signed, I'd move it up 3 or 4 places)
I've never been to Michigan, but shouldn't I-96 be at the top of the list? It connects the state capital with the two largest cities.
No, that's about right. There is so much more Detroit-Chicago traffic on I-94 and I-75 the major north-south link. Much of I-96 west of say Brighton/US-23 is an easy drive with hardly the traffic you'd find on I-94 or I-75 at least in SE Michigan.
Quote from: Thing 342 on January 27, 2015, 10:55:21 PM
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
I would put I-85 above I-40, since it connects more major cities in the state and is one of the busiest corridors in the nation in terms of traffic density.
Quote from: robbones on January 29, 2015, 10:39:57 AM
Quote from: Charles2 on January 27, 2015, 11:27:24 PM
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.
I 10?
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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 471?
I omitted I-10 in Alabama because east of Mobile, the next major city it directly connects is Tallahassee, which is 245 miles away. (Sorry, Pensacola, but are you really a major city?)
Quote from: thenetwork on January 29, 2015, 11:58:04 AM
Quote from: robbones on January 29, 2015, 10:39:57 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 28, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
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 471?
RE-REVISED OHIO:
- I-71
- I-75
- I-70
- I-90
- I-77
- 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-471
- I-277
I really hate to make you do this, but you also omitted I-271. While it's very short, it serves as an excellent connection from Columbus to Erie and points east while completely avoiding Cleveland, the heavy traffic downtown, the "Dead Man's Curve," and a huge influx of Turnpike traffic.
Again, sorry about that, but I had to point it out.
Here's my shot at a ranking for NY:
1. 87 - The NYC-to-Albany route, yet most of its ranking comes from the E-W Rockland County and Tappan Zee segment, which is critical and has few practical alternates. A vital link between downstate and upstate.
2. 90 - The east-west backbone, cutting into the interior U.S. through the water level route, one of the nation's oldest and most important trade routes.
3. 81 - A near-tie with I-90, it connects both to Canada and Appalachia and is another route to NYC, but it serves less population in the state than I-90.
4. 287 - The northern bypass of NYC. Also including the Tappan Zee link, its ranking would drop if the I-87 overlap were discounted (but not by much).
5. 495 - The only Interstate serving Long Island, a region of comparable area to some states.
6. 95 - You may be surprised to see this here instead of at #1, if you've followed the parent thread. My criteria here are a little different, being based more on the routes as they actually are, versus the other thread which is about the routes as if they suddenly were not. Still, it's the middle of three routes through or around NYC and is a corridor of huge economic importance.
7. 278 - Several major water crossings and the third of the trans-NYC routes, in addition to having great local importance in that city.
8. 190 - Mainline of Buffalo and a major international port of entry.
9. 684 - I'm surprised it made it this high, but it carries a lot of traffic between NYC and its "suburbs" in New England.
10. 84 - An important Hudson crossing, but a bit far from NYC to be a practical bypass. It seems to be more important in PA and CT than it is in NY.
11. 490 - Picks up I-90's slack by serving Rochester, giving it a little more weight than other upstate 3dis.
12. 86 - An important route through a more lightly-traveled corridor. Upon completion it will go up a little, perhaps just into the top ten.
13. 390 - Part of the route between Buffalo/Rochester and downstate for many travelers.
14. 678 - Important route within NYC (airports), but the redundancy of upper East River crossings gives them individually a little less weight.
15. 78 - Short as it is in the state, it's the Holland Tunnel and brings in lots of commercial traffic to lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
16. 290 - Short but highly developed bypass of Buffalo.
17. 787 - Serves a busy corridor between several Capital District cities.
18. 690 - Important route through Syracuse, but is closely parallel to I-90.
19. 88 - Convenient route for some, but not vital for most purposes.
20. 890 - Like 490 and 690, but serving a yet smaller population.
21. 481 - A bypass with limited applicability; suitable, but not a slam-dunk.
22. 295 - Again, one of several Bronx/Queens crossings, and a redundant N/S route (actually, I feel it's under-utilized and should rank higher, but that's OK with me).
23. 590 - Handy little route, just very limited in scope.
24. 478 - Brooklyn-Battery tunnel. Important as such; less important as an Interstate. Actually, this ranking seems low, but what're ya gonna do. :-)
25. 790 - Yeah, yeah, I know, but it is the only way into Utica from the Thruway, after all...
26. 990 - I never use this route. Maybe it's more important than I think, but I dunno.
27. 878 - Actually gets a lot of traffic as part of the JFK airport network, but there's just so much redundancy in the area.
28. 587 - Hey, it makes getting into Kingston just a little faster...
29. 781 - While there's certainly some value in moving people and things in and out of an army base in the middle of nowhere, it just feels like a one-trick pony.
30. 695 - Doesn't do anything that a couple extra ramps at the Bruckner Interchange couldn't do.
31. 895 - Yeah, it really doesn't go anywhere. It cuts a corner that nobody needs cut; otherwise, it's a way to get to a couple streets in the middle Bronx.
Quote from: nwi_navigator_1181 on January 29, 2015, 11:55:35 PM
I really hate to make you do this, but you also omitted I-271. While it's very short, it serves as an excellent connection from Columbus to Erie and points east while completely avoiding Cleveland, the heavy traffic downtown, the "Dead Man's Curve," and a huge influx of Turnpike traffic.
Again, sorry about that, but I had to point it out.
RE-RE-REVISED OHIO
- I-71
- I-75
- I-70
- I-90
- I-77
- I-80
- I-76
- I-74
- I-480
- I-270
- I-271- I-280
- I-275
- I-475
- I-670
- I-675
- I-680
- I-470
- I-490
- I-471
- I-277
[/quote]
As someone who went to college in the North Country, I'd rank I-781 higher. It didn't shorten the distance (it actually lengthened it by a tiny amount), but the moment it was built I could suddenly get to/from Potsdam 15 minutes faster each way, and unlike I-587, it actually serves long-distance traffic (pretty much anyone who's going on a long trek up US 11 to NY's final frontier). I'd guess that most of the traffic is going to US 11 and not the fort, though I don't think Region 7's done any traffic counts there yet to find out.
Quote from: Charles2 on January 29, 2015, 08:48:57 PM
I omitted I-10 in Alabama because east of Mobile, the next major city it directly connects is Tallahassee, which is 245 miles away. (Sorry, Pensacola, but are you really a major city?)
Considering that Pensacola has a metro area of over 460,000 and Tallahassee has only about 375,000 in its metro area, I'd say Pensacola (it's area at least) is a major city along I-10.
Quote from: vdeane on January 30, 2015, 12:57:37 PM
As someone who went to college in the North Country, I'd rank I-781 higher. It didn't shorten the distance (it actually lengthened it by a tiny amount), but the moment it was built I could suddenly get to/from Potsdam 15 minutes faster each way, and unlike I-587, it actually serves long-distance traffic (pretty much anyone who's going on a long trek up US 11 to NY's final frontier). I'd guess that most of the traffic is going to US 11 and not the fort, though I don't think Region 7's done any traffic counts there yet to find out.
OK, I can see that. I tried to use it once on a trip down from Hammond, but on NY 37 it's no use to me. As a Watertown bypass, I can see it moving up to around #26 or so.
I'm going to do my version of the New York hierarchy. Having lived all over the state, I have a few things that would be different:
1. I-87
2. I-90
3. I-495
4. I-81
5. I-95
6. I-190: Serves 2 of the busiest US-Canada border crossings, route between Toronto and the east coast
7. I-287
8. I-86 (current and future): major east-west route that gets a surprising amount of long-distance intrastate traffic
9. I-278
10. I-390: connection between Buffalo, Rochester, and Ontario and the southern part of the state, Pennsylvania, and the rest of the east coast south of Connecticut
11. I-84: only high-speed crossing of the Hudson between Tappan Zee and just south of Albany, northern leg of "golden triangle
12. I-88: part of well-used shunpike between Albany and Ohio
13. I-684: only limited-access road in the eastern Hudson Valley open to all vehicles
14. I-295: Best truck route to LI
15. I-678
16. I-490
17. I-290: one of the busiest Interstates upstate not already mentioned, if not the busiest
18. I-78
18.5. I-99: doesn't deserve a real number, but it and US 15 are the main connection between Central PA and the southeast with Western New York
19. I-781: might seem insignificant, but it's a very important shortcut between I-81 and US 11 that gets much use
20. I-690: connection between I-90 and downtown Syracuse
21. I-787
22. I-890: GE plant
23. I-590
24. I-990: surprisingly useful. Accesses a couple of large office parks and UB while bypassing congested sections of NY 78 and NY 263
25. I-478
26. I-695
27. I-878
28. I-790. Depending on where you're going, it might be faster to take local roads
29. I-895
30. I-481. Candidate for "most useless bypass".
31. I-587: likely did nothing other than kill Downtown Kingston's shopping district as all traffic now bypasses it
Either no one has taken Kansas yet, or I scrolled through the replies way too quickly--
1) I-70
2) I-35
3) I-135
4) I-335
5) I-435
6) I-235
7) I-470
8) I-635
9) I-670
This is guesswork, though. I-335 isn't important as a number, but it is important as a roadway. I-135 and I-335 were chosen over I-435 because of their positions in the state's freeway network, despite the traffic volumes and width of I-435. If I-470 didn't exist, that portion of the Kansas Turnpike could easily be another five miles of I-335. I-235 serves a bigger city than does I-470, but the connection provided by the western leg of I-470 is harder to duplicate than those provided by I-635 and I-670.
Quote from: nwi_navigator_1181 on January 28, 2015, 01:24:30 AM
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.
I would put I-65 above 80/90 by a slight amount, if for no other reason than the sheer volume throughout the length of the state. Agree with 70 being third and 69 being fourth. I would actually put 465 fifth. I would also put 74 above 94 just because of the length. After 94 I would round out the state with 64, 265, 469, 869 and 275.
Not my state, but I will do one for New Mexico:
1. I-25 - Connects the three largest metro areas of the state (Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe).
2. I-40 - Major truck route for the state, although I would put it below I-25 due to the cities served being smaller.
3. I-10 - Has the least mileage through the state and the only significant metro area served in the state is Las Cruces, although nationally I-10 is probably more important than both since it serves a lot more major cities in its entire length.
Maryland, my Maryland!
- Interstate 95 - the East Coast's most major Highway; need I say more?
- Interstate 70 - the gateway "out west"; it connects Baltimore with Frederick, Hagerstown and Hancock.
- Interstate 68 - picks up where I-70 leaves off. Goes the rest of the way to Garrett County.
- Interstate 97 - connects Baltimore (Maryland's largest city) with Annapolis (the state capital) and the Bay Bridge.
- Interstate 83 - not much scenery as it emerges from Baltimore into Pennsylvania.
- Interstate 81 - only about 12 miles through Maryland. Doesn't give out-of-staters time to realize that Maryland is more than just Hagerstown.
Quote from: empirestate on January 30, 2015, 12:02:15 AM
Here's my shot at a ranking for NY:
1. 87 - The NYC-to-Albany route, yet most of its ranking comes from the E-W Rockland County and Tappan Zee segment, which is critical and has few practical alternates. A vital link between downstate and upstate.
2. 90 - The east-west backbone, cutting into the interior U.S. through the water level route, one of the nation's oldest and most important trade routes.
3. 81 - A near-tie with I-90, it connects both to Canada and Appalachia and is another route to NYC, but it serves less population in the state than I-90.
4. 287 - The northern bypass of NYC. Also including the Tappan Zee link, its ranking would drop if the I-87 overlap were discounted (but not by much).
5. 495 - The only Interstate serving Long Island, a region of comparable area to some states.
6. 95 - You may be surprised to see this here instead of at #1, if you've followed the parent thread. My criteria here are a little different, being based more on the routes as they actually are, versus the other thread which is about the routes as if they suddenly were not. Still, it's the middle of three routes through or around NYC and is a corridor of huge economic importance.
7. 278 - Several major water crossings and the third of the trans-NYC routes, in addition to having great local importance in that city.
8. 190 - Mainline of Buffalo and a major international port of entry.
9. 684 - I'm surprised it made it this high, but it carries a lot of traffic between NYC and its "suburbs" in New England.
10. 84 - An important Hudson crossing, but a bit far from NYC to be a practical bypass. It seems to be more important in PA and CT than it is in NY.
11. 490 - Picks up I-90's slack by serving Rochester, giving it a little more weight than other upstate 3dis.
12. 86 - An important route through a more lightly-traveled corridor. Upon completion it will go up a little, perhaps just into the top ten.
13. 390 - Part of the route between Buffalo/Rochester and downstate for many travelers.
14. 678 - Important route within NYC (airports), but the redundancy of upper East River crossings gives them individually a little less weight.
15. 78 - Short as it is in the state, it's the Holland Tunnel and brings in lots of commercial traffic to lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
16. 290 - Short but highly developed bypass of Buffalo.
17. 787 - Serves a busy corridor between several Capital District cities.
18. 690 - Important route through Syracuse, but is closely parallel to I-90.
19. 88 - Convenient route for some, but not vital for most purposes.
20. 890 - Like 490 and 690, but serving a yet smaller population.
21. 481 - A bypass with limited applicability; suitable, but not a slam-dunk.
22. 295 - Again, one of several Bronx/Queens crossings, and a redundant N/S route (actually, I feel it's under-utilized and should rank higher, but that's OK with me).
23. 590 - Handy little route, just very limited in scope.
24. 478 - Brooklyn-Battery tunnel. Important as such; less important as an Interstate. Actually, this ranking seems low, but what're ya gonna do. :-)
25. 790 - Yeah, yeah, I know, but it is the only way into Utica from the Thruway, after all...
26. 990 - I never use this route. Maybe it's more important than I think, but I dunno.
27. 878 - Actually gets a lot of traffic as part of the JFK airport network, but there's just so much redundancy in the area.
28. 587 - Hey, it makes getting into Kingston just a little faster...
29. 781 - While there's certainly some value in moving people and things in and out of an army base in the middle of nowhere, it just feels like a one-trick pony.
30. 695 - Doesn't do anything that a couple extra ramps at the Bruckner Interchange couldn't do.
31. 895 - Yeah, it really doesn't go anywhere. It cuts a corner that nobody needs cut; otherwise, it's a way to get to a couple streets in the middle Bronx.
LI Interstates
278, 478 (Unsigned), 678, 878 (Unsigned), 295 & 495
Connecticut:
1. I-95...unquestionable. Main Street of the East Coast, Boston-New York, Metropolis, commuters, etc., etc., etc.
2. I-84...Doesn't join big regional cities, but is a major trucking corridor from the Mid-Atlantic & points south to New England; connects to Mass Pike. Runs through smaller cities-DB, WB, HFD.
3. I-91...not as important as a trucking corridor, but goes to Canada. Does run through both Hartford and New Haven.
4. I-395...Also meets Mass Pike, but is more for local access. See: Norwich, Putnam, Thompson, and so on.
5. I-691...Connector of I-84, U.S. 5, and I-91. Important for trucking.
6. I-384...Would have far more significance if it eventually became I-84, but all it does now is: I-84 >> U.S. 6 east to Willimantic, U.S. 44 east to Putnam.
7. I-291...poor I-291...really is not anything besides a back-up for accessing I-91 from I-84 and vice versa. If it turned into the beltway, well...
8. I-684...need I-explain? Provides background noise and very little scenery to northern sections of Greenwich. :spin: :-D :pan:
Also see kurumi's ranking of all the 2-digit interstates, back from 3 presidents ago, the long-ago days of January, 2001: http://www.kurumi.com/roads/rank2di.html (http://www.kurumi.com/roads/rank2di.html)
Quote from: mapman1071 on February 22, 2017, 09:17:13 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 30, 2015, 12:02:15 AM
Here's my shot at a ranking for NY:
1. 87 - The NYC-to-Albany route, yet most of its ranking comes from the E-W Rockland County and Tappan Zee segment, which is critical and has few practical alternates. A vital link between downstate and upstate.
2. 90 - The east-west backbone, cutting into the interior U.S. through the water level route, one of the nation's oldest and most important trade routes.
3. 81 - A near-tie with I-90, it connects both to Canada and Appalachia and is another route to NYC, but it serves less population in the state than I-90.
4. 287 - The northern bypass of NYC. Also including the Tappan Zee link, its ranking would drop if the I-87 overlap were discounted (but not by much).
5. 495 - The only Interstate serving Long Island, a region of comparable area to some states.
6. 95 - You may be surprised to see this here instead of at #1, if you've followed the parent thread. My criteria here are a little different, being based more on the routes as they actually are, versus the other thread which is about the routes as if they suddenly were not. Still, it's the middle of three routes through or around NYC and is a corridor of huge economic importance.
7. 278 - Several major water crossings and the third of the trans-NYC routes, in addition to having great local importance in that city.
8. 190 - Mainline of Buffalo and a major international port of entry.
9. 684 - I'm surprised it made it this high, but it carries a lot of traffic between NYC and its "suburbs" in New England.
10. 84 - An important Hudson crossing, but a bit far from NYC to be a practical bypass. It seems to be more important in PA and CT than it is in NY.
11. 490 - Picks up I-90's slack by serving Rochester, giving it a little more weight than other upstate 3dis.
12. 86 - An important route through a more lightly-traveled corridor. Upon completion it will go up a little, perhaps just into the top ten.
13. 390 - Part of the route between Buffalo/Rochester and downstate for many travelers.
14. 678 - Important route within NYC (airports), but the redundancy of upper East River crossings gives them individually a little less weight.
15. 78 - Short as it is in the state, it's the Holland Tunnel and brings in lots of commercial traffic to lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
16. 290 - Short but highly developed bypass of Buffalo.
17. 787 - Serves a busy corridor between several Capital District cities.
18. 690 - Important route through Syracuse, but is closely parallel to I-90.
19. 88 - Convenient route for some, but not vital for most purposes.
20. 890 - Like 490 and 690, but serving a yet smaller population.
21. 481 - A bypass with limited applicability; suitable, but not a slam-dunk.
22. 295 - Again, one of several Bronx/Queens crossings, and a redundant N/S route (actually, I feel it's under-utilized and should rank higher, but that's OK with me).
23. 590 - Handy little route, just very limited in scope.
24. 478 - Brooklyn-Battery tunnel. Important as such; less important as an Interstate. Actually, this ranking seems low, but what're ya gonna do. :-)
25. 790 - Yeah, yeah, I know, but it is the only way into Utica from the Thruway, after all...
26. 990 - I never use this route. Maybe it's more important than I think, but I dunno.
27. 878 - Actually gets a lot of traffic as part of the JFK airport network, but there's just so much redundancy in the area.
28. 587 - Hey, it makes getting into Kingston just a little faster...
29. 781 - While there's certainly some value in moving people and things in and out of an army base in the middle of nowhere, it just feels like a one-trick pony.
30. 695 - Doesn't do anything that a couple extra ramps at the Bruckner Interchange couldn't do.
31. 895 - Yeah, it really doesn't go anywhere. It cuts a corner that nobody needs cut; otherwise, it's a way to get to a couple streets in the middle Bronx.
LI Interstates
278, 478 (Unsigned), 678, 878 (Unsigned), 295 & 495
Yeah, they're all in my list...?
Indiana:
Although should be lower than I-74 on the list, you forgot I-64 through Southern Indiana. Not unusual in that most people north of a line running from Terre Haute to south of Bloomington forget that part of the state. Also I-265 on the Indiana side of the Louisville, KY metro is a fairly busy interstate as well, especially between I-64 west and I-65 north.
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on February 22, 2017, 09:53:51 PM7. I-291...poor I-291...really is not anything besides a back-up for accessing I-91 from I-84 and vice versa.
Such does provide northeastern/eastern CT better access to Bradley Airport (BDL).
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 23, 2017, 09:12:09 AM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on February 22, 2017, 09:53:51 PM7. I-291...poor I-291...really is not anything besides a back-up for accessing I-91 from I-84 and vice versa.
Such does provide northeastern/eastern CT better access to Bradley Airport (BDL).
This is true, and so does I-91. This makes I-91 a bit more important in the CT road network than I may have considered. Oops! :crazy:
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on February 22, 2017, 09:53:51 PM
Connecticut:
1. I-95...unquestionable. Main Street of the East Coast, Boston-New York, Metropolis, commuters, etc., etc., etc.
Isn't it actually faster to take I-91 to I-84 for NY to Boston and points north? Of course you'd still be taking 95 from points south (unless it's CT 15 instead)
Here is my listing for Illinois. I left off the 3DI's since there's so many of them (11), and I don't really know all of them that well.
I-80
I-94
I-90
I-55
I-57
I-39
I-74
I-72
I-64
I-70
I-88
I-24
I-41
I appreciate the efforts other have made, since making this list turned out to be pretty hard. So many of the routes in Illinois come in roughly equivalent pairs, like I-64 and I-70. Both connect Saint Louis to cities east of the state, passing through few populated areas of the state itself. Or I-72 and I-74, which both connect medium-sized cities across the state. Or I-90 and I-94, which are both essential arteries through Chicago. Or even I-80 and I-88, which go east-west across pretty much the same area. I'm pretty happy with the ranking I came up with, although I'm not sure if I'd come up with the same one consistently, if I had to do so again and again.
Quote from: doorknob60 on January 29, 2015, 03:39:18 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 27, 2015, 12:47:04 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on January 27, 2015, 12:16:07 PM
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 agree with that if you switched I-705 and I-182. As someone who used to live in Richland, I-182 is very important in the Tri-Cities, and the road network there would fall apart without it. Tacoma could survive fine without I-705 (assuming a surface street with connection to I-5 in its place).
I would put 5 ahead of 90 in Washington because it connects Seattle to other major WA population centers like Tacoma, Olympia (the state capital) , Everett, and Vancouver WA, as well as Vancouver BC, Portland and other more distant major West Coast metro areas in California. Also it carries a lot more traffic than 90 and the mileage in Washington for both is almost the same (276 versus 299). 90 has considerable credibility because it is the longest of the interstates in the USA, but it only leads to Spokane and eventually to Chicago and other points East after a long trek through the very sparse Northern Rockies and Great Plains. I prefer driving on 90 because of the scenery and the lighter traffic, but I believe that it ranks behind 5 for overall importance in Washington.
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 23, 2017, 02:50:18 PM
I appreciate the efforts other have made, since making this list turned out to be pretty hard. So many of the routes in Illinois come in roughly equivalent pairs, like I-64 and I-70. Both connect Saint Louis to cities east of the state, passing through few populated areas of the state itself. Or I-72 and I-74, which both connect medium-sized cities across the state. Or I-90 and I-94, which are both essential arteries through Chicago. Or even I-80 and I-88, which go east-west across pretty much the same area. I'm pretty happy with the ranking I came up with, although I'm not sure if I'd come up with the same one consistently, if I had to do so again and again.
I would argue that I-55 is the most important, mainly because it connects the following areas: St. Louis, Springfield, Bloomington, Joliet, and downtown Chicago.
I'll rank the 400-series highways of Ontario, since they're our equivalent of the Interstate system, and I don't feel like making my own thread for this post. I'll probably change my mind on a few of them, but I think the general order is reasonable :)
401: Spans from Windsor to the border near Montreal, connecting a majority of Ontario's population. The portion in Toronto is also one of the busiest highways in the world!
QEW: Connects the Golden Horseshoe, from Toronto to Fort Erie
427: An important north-south corridor that helps connect Toronto with cities to the west and north
400: Connects Toronto with Cottage Country and Northern Ontario, and gets incredubly congested on summer weekends
417: Connects Ottawa and points west to Montreal, and serves as an important highway within Ottawa
403: An important truck corridor from Woodstock to the QEW, and heavily used by commuters from the QEW to the 410
404: Busy commuter route for Durham region, though it also helps with reaching Cottage Country
410: Connects Brampton and points north to Mississauga/Toronto and the rest of the 400-series highways
402: Important trade corridor connecting the Bluewater Bridge to London. Gives a useful alternative to passing through Windsor-Detroit
407: Useful (but expensive :ded:) bypass of the 401 around Toronto
405: Connects the QEW with I-190 through the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, another important trade corridor.
409: Serves Pearson Airport in Toronto, and bypasses the busy 401-427 interchange
420: Connects the QEW with downtown Niagara Falls, and leads to the Rainbow Bridge
416: Connects Ottawa to Toronto and I-81. I'm ranking this one rather low since I found taking the 401>37>7>417 was similar in travel time to the 401>416>417. Also, I've heard traffic counts are fairly low on the 416. However, I'll admit that having an all-freeway route is still important
412 (and future 418): Connects the 407 with the 401 on the east end, finally completing the Toronto bypass. I've personally found that using the 404 between the 407 and 401 hasn't been too bad, but the 412/418 are definitely nice to have. I rate them lower simply because they're move of a luxury than a necessity in my mind
406: Connects the QEW with St. Catharines and Welland. Traffic in my experience has always seemed rather low to me along here, and it serves mostly local traffic
Nebraska:
I-80
I-680
I-76
I-480
I-180
I-129
I debated between 680 and 76 because they're both pretty important links, but 680 won out because it's used a lot more.
Quote from: thenetwork on January 29, 2015, 07:24:29 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on January 29, 2015, 03:15:52 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2015, 07:47:15 PM
I haven't seen Michigan yet.
I-94
I-75
I-96
I-696
I-275
I-69
I-196
I-496
I-475
I-675
Edit: I-375
I-194
I-296 (if it were signed, I'd move it up 3 or 4 places)
I've never been to Michigan, but shouldn't I-96 be at the top of the list? It connects the state capital with the two largest cities.
No, that's about right. There is so much more Detroit-Chicago traffic on I-94 and I-75 the major north-south link. Much of I-96 west of say Brighton/US-23 is an easy drive with hardly the traffic you'd find on I-94 or I-75 at least in SE Michigan.
I'd make two changes:
First, I'd make I-75 #1, since it is the only road to connect both peninsulas.
Second, I would probably flip-flop I-69 & I-196.
From most to least, 2di only for mass
90
95
93
91
84
My version for Ohio:
1) I-71: Passes through the 3 largest cities in the state, important diagonal highway for E-W traffic in the overall interstate system
2) I-75: Major trucking route for the country; passes through Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo in the state.
3) I-90: Major route between Chicago and the northeast; passes through Cleveland.
4) I-70: Passes through Dayton and Columbus in state, and connection through other secondary Midwestern cities to the east coast.
5) I-80: Loses some points due to long concurrency with I-90, but still very important
6) I-77: Shorter interstate in state than the 5 above, but serves the entire Cleveland-Akron-Canton area
7) I-76: It's much more important next door, but for Ohio, it's very short and serves Akron
8) I-270: Complete beltway around Columbus
9) I-275: Complete beltway around Cincinnati, but falls below I-270 because it's not entirely in the state, and has some noticible rural feel portions, especially in the west loop.
10) I-74: Very short in the state; connects Cincinnati westward.
11) I-480: Partial beltway around Cleveland, serving the southern suburbs of the city and connecting downtown Cleveland to I-271 and the eastern suburbs
12) I-271: Partial beltway around Cleveland, serving the eastern suburbs of the city. Also only interstate in Ohio I know of with a full set of express lanes
13) I-675: Partial beltway around Dayton; serves the Wright Patterson AFB
14) I-670: Connects downtown Columbus to its airport
15) I-475: Partial beltway around Toledo
16) I-280: Partial beltway around Toledo
17) I-680: Connects I-80 and I-76 to downtown Youngstown
18) I-471: Only half a mile long in the state, but serves as a connection from downtown Cincinnati to the eastern Ohio suburbs of the city, specifically the OH 32 corridor, via Kentucky
19) I-490: Will rise in importance when the Opportunity Corridor finishes, but currently, just a short connector between I-71/I-90 and I-77. Maybe useful for specific suburb-suburb travel.
20) I-277: Bypass for Akron. Completely overlapped with US 224; we could do without the interstate number.
21) I-470: Bypass for...Wheeling, WV? Not really useful for Ohio, as there's only 2 exits besides I-70 through some desolate areas.
Pennsylvania:
I-76
I-476
I-80
I-78
I-81
I-79
I-83
I-95
I-376
I-676
I-276
I-70
I-380
I-99
I-279
I-84
I-90
I-283
I-295
I-176
I-579
I-180
I-86
South Carolina:
1. I-95- Vital route north and south, connecting everybody from Mid-Atlantic to the state, plus several decent towns are connected (Florence, Walterboro), and exits to US 17, I-26, I-20 are huge
2. I-26- Basically Main Street of South Carolina, connecting Charleston, Columbia, and Spartanburg, and is the major interstate in all of them. Also huge trucking route between Charleston port and inland cities with I-95 exit
3. I-20- Major east-west route between Atlanta and west is major route through Columbia, connecting over to I-95, but part east of Columbia over to Florence is much less traveled
4. I-85- Main Street of the Upstate, going through Greenville and Spartanburg down to Atlanta, but most people in the Lowcountry don't use it
5. I-77- Connector between Charlotte and Columbia, and goes through the fast-growing Rock Hill area. Will only grow in importance in next several years
6. I-74 (if built)
7. I-385- Connection to Greenville via I-26, and connects a very populated area to the rest of SC
8. I-526- Vital route in the Charleston area, with three major river crossings, and a major commuter route as well
9. SC 277- connector from I-77 into downtown Columbia
10. I-126- I-26 connector into downtown Columbia
11. I-520- Georgia part is more important as the major beltway around Augusta
12. I-185- cut through from 385 to 85 that usually has very little traffic because most people forget it exists
13. SC 31- Important parkway that cuts US 17 traffic problem
14. SC 22- Basically just a bypass of Conway that connects with US 17
15. I-585- stub route serving downtown Spartanburg.
US 17 is probably the most important US highway. Probably between 85 and 77. Maybe above 85
Tennessee:
1. I-40 Serves three of the big four metropolitan areas of TN. Runs from CA to NC.
2. I-24 Serves two of the big four and connects IL to GA. Nashville to Murfreesboro traffic is insane. Huge traffic BNA to ATL.
3. I-75 Serves Knoxville and Chattanooga. Linking points from MI to FL. This is a big one as it actually does for a very brief moment also carry Nashville bound traffic from usually FL and ATL. Due to this I rank it 3 in front of I-65.
4. I-65 Serves Nashville and the gowning micropolis of Franklin. Franklin is now home to many large corporations HQ/Regional offices.
5. I-81 This is a weird one but it is an important link to the NE US.
6. I-640 Actually does make a nice I-75 movement. Doesn't really help much during non-peak hours.
7. I-440 Good connection to BNA from I-65 south points. Not much of a bypass. Some woman complained about the noise of cars that travel faster and had the speed limit lowered from 65 to 55. This does help through trucks avoid truckers curve.
8. I-269 Ranking now ahead of I-240 since it now carries the I-40 to I-55 south movement that once was home to I-240.
8. I-240 Serving through traffic those connecting I-40 to I-55 now I-269 serves this movement. It really isn't a bypass but serves parts of Memphis and MEM.
9. I-55 Not much to see in TN but it does connect MEM to MSY and STL.
10. I-275 The defunct I-75. Connects downtown Knoxville with points north.
11. I-124 not signed. Connection to downtown Chattanooga.
12. I-140 connects points west of Knoxville to points south of Knoxville.
13. I-840 This one should really still be SR 840. This one is robbing tourist dollars and throwing traffic into areas where traffic should not be. I-40 provides this movement and using I-840 is a waste of time for through traffic.
14. I-155 The forgotten one. This is important as an interregional connection and it is very important as a bridge over the Mississippi River.
15. I-26 Seriously why did they even build this? US 23 and US 19 served this corridor well without this.
16. I-69 This is pork barrel highway. What a boondoggle. Build a highway that goes everywhere whilst going nowhere. None of it in TN is actually really built just designated along concurrencies.
I'm going to go ahead and throw in my ranking for Texas too since it's my adopted home state snd we have so many.
Texas:
1. IH 10— three of the largest cities in the state, services a ton of oil/gas/ industry in southeast texas. Connects the state to the gulf coast, New Orleans, and to the sun belt in Arizona and la. Houston is about to overtake Chicago as the third largest city.
2. IH 35- I would actually call this a tie even. Also connects three of the major cities, and connects both borders
3: iH 45- connecting Houston to Dallas and Galveston. Also serves the main offices of TDcJ and tons of industrial facilities in Texas city and la marque. Hurricane evacuation route. And nasa
4. IH 69- I'm thinking of it as it will be when finished. A major route connecting Houston to corpus and the rio grande valley is a big deal. The valley had no interestate routes for so long and now they'll be well connected. Also a major border to border route.
5: IH 30 – main DFW east West route, connects to Arkansas and farther east.
6. IH 635 – so important to the dfw area they had to build toll express lanes under the main lines. Crucial for several Suburbs and airport
7. IH 610- port of Houston, one of the busiest and largest in America. Runs through the galleria area, which is essentially a second downtown. Also provides access to the largest single concentration of medical facilities in America and the stadium.
8: IH 20: connects Dallas to the Deep South
9. IH 2: major east west route for the valley
10: IH 37: major evacuation route. Access to beaches and the valley for people coming from the iH 35 corridor. Plus, is the only one or the three interstates that really runs through downtown San Antonio.
11 IH 345
12 IH 820
13 IH 40— yes it's a "coast to coast" route but it only serves Amarillo.
14 IH 410— important to San Antonio but parts of it are practically rural.
15: IH 44
16: IH 27
17: IH 14
18: IH 110
19. IH 169
20: IH 369
21. IH 49)eventually)
Quote from: ski-man on January 27, 2015, 10:20:37 PM
WYOMING.........
1. I-80
2. I-25
3. I-90
4. I-180
I would actually say as far as Wyoming is concerned I-25 is more important to the people who actually live in the state. 25 goes between Cheyenne and Casper, the state's two largest cities by far, and connects them both to the nearest major metropolitan area in Denver. Sure, there are a few substantial cities on Wyoming's I-80 mileage (including Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming), but by and large I-80 is for out-of-state drivers passing through. Drive on it and you'll notice a significant majority of license plates are out of state.
Oklahoma:
1) I-35 – major transcontinental route
2) I-40 – see I-35
3) I-44 – Connects NE to SW parts of the state
4) I-235 – Spur route, carries US 77
5) I-244 – part of the Tulsa loop
Quote from: JMoses24 on January 21, 2021, 05:53:23 PM
Oklahoma:
1) I-35 – major transcontinental route
2) I-40 – see I-35
3) I-44 – Connects NE to SW parts of the state
4) I-235 – Spur route, carries US 77
5) I-244 – part of the Tulsa loop
How about 240 and unsigned 444?
Chris
Mississippi:
I-55 (Very Obvious)
I-20
I-10 (I thought about putting 59 here, but the only major cities it directly connects to outside of the state are while it is overlapped with 20. And 55 and 59 both eventually terminate at 10..)
I-59
I-22
I-220 (Honestly I was tempted to put this above 22)
I-269
I-110
I-69 (lol)
My MO and MA list:
Missouri
I-70
I-44
I-55
I-35
I-29
I-57
I-49
I-72
MO-Loops/spurs
I-435
I-270
I-170
I-255
I-470
I-635
I-229
I-155
Massachusetts:
I-95
I-90
I-91
I-93
I-84
MA- Loops/Spurs
I-495
I-195
I-290
I-395
I-291
I-391
I-190
Quote from: thenetwork on January 27, 2015, 10:41:23 PM
COLORADO:
- I-25
- I-70
- I-225
- I-270
- I-76
Although personally, I would put I-70 above I-25 mainly for its vital link between Denver and points west, but I-25 overall has more traffic per mile across more of it's presence in CO than I-70 does, thanks to it's desolation east of Denver.
I guess I'll do my version (obviously not too different since there are only 5):
- I-25 - Maybe 30 years ago, I could see I-70 taking top billing, but the Front Range has grown so much it has to be I-25
- I-70 - Heavy economic driver of the state transporting people into the mountains
- I-225 - A toll-free bypass of downtown as well as a vital route for the nearly 400K person city of Aurora
- I-76 - Yeah, not many people live along it in Sterling and Fort Morgan, but a vital shortcut helping freight traffic
- I-270 - A miserable little road. It definitely helps to bypass downtown, but it's often so clogged that it doesn't save much more time than just going through the Mousetrap
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on January 21, 2021, 06:45:15 PM
Quote from: JMoses24 on January 21, 2021, 05:53:23 PM
Oklahoma:
1) I-35 – major transcontinental route
2) I-40 – see I-35
3) I-44 – Connects NE to SW parts of the state
4) I-235 – Spur route, carries US 77
5) I-244 – part of the Tulsa loop
How about 240 and unsigned 444?
Chris
D'oh! Forgot 240, but I wasn't going to count 444 since it's not signed in the field. 240 fits just above 235 since it connects 40 on the east side with 44 on the southwest.
444 would be last.
Quote from: Sctvhound on January 16, 2021, 06:06:55 PM
South Carolina:
1. I-95- Vital route north and south, connecting everybody from Mid-Atlantic to the state, plus several decent towns are connected (Florence, Walterboro), and exits to US 17, I-26, I-20 are huge
2. I-26- Basically Main Street of South Carolina, connecting Charleston, Columbia, and Spartanburg, and is the major interstate in all of them. Also huge trucking route between Charleston port and inland cities with I-95 exit
3. I-20- Major east-west route between Atlanta and west is major route through Columbia, connecting over to I-95, but part east of Columbia over to Florence is much less traveled
4. I-85- Main Street of the Upstate, going through Greenville and Spartanburg down to Atlanta, but most people in the Lowcountry don't use it
5. I-77- Connector between Charlotte and Columbia, and goes through the fast-growing Rock Hill area. Will only grow in importance in next several years
6. I-74 (if built)
7. I-385- Connection to Greenville via I-26, and connects a very populated area to the rest of SC
8. I-526- Vital route in the Charleston area, with three major river crossings, and a major commuter route as well
9. SC 277- connector from I-77 into downtown Columbia
10. I-126- I-26 connector into downtown Columbia
11. I-520- Georgia part is more important as the major beltway around Augusta
12. I-185- cut through from 385 to 85 that usually has very little traffic because most people forget it exists
13. SC 31- Important parkway that cuts US 17 traffic problem
14. SC 22- Basically just a bypass of Conway that connects with US 17
15. I-585- stub route serving downtown Spartanburg.
US 17 is probably the most important US highway. Probably between 85 and 77. Maybe above 85
How about the Business Interstate routes?
I may or may not have done this already.
1. I-94: serves the two largest metro areas in the state, as well as the Dells and Eau Claire.
2. I-41: the most important north-south corridor in the state, serving the Milwaukee area, the Fox Valley, and Green Bay.
3. I-90: mostly long-distance significance, as its only places of note in WI are Madison, the Dells, and La Crosse.
4. I-43: the fastest way between Milwaukee and Lambeau Field. Don't underestimate the importance of that connection for Wisconsinites.
5. I-894: important bypass of the Stadium and Marquette areas. Its recent upgrade has made it possibly the nicest freeway in the Midwest.
6. I-39: important for Illinois weekenders.
7. I-794: Milwaukee downtown spur.
8. I-535: a long bridge. Glorified exit ramp, some would say.
My interpretation for Texas:
I-35- Connects 3 of the largest 4 cities in Texas.
I-10- Longest interstate in Texas
I-45- Forms crucial HOU-DFW route
I-20- Important corridor for NE-SW traffic
I-30- Also part of that corridor, but not as long
I-69- (including the suffixed routes and in its current state. It would probably rise to 4th or 5th once complete)
I-610- Port of Houston, busy as heck, most important 3di in Texas
I-635- Haven't ever been to Dallas, but looks important.
I-2- Important RGV connector
I-37- See achilles765's post
I-410- San Antonio beltway. Has concurrency with I-35
I-40- Route 66
I-820- Again, never been to DFW, but seems relatively important
I-345- Same as above
I-14- Connects I-35 with Fort Hood
I-27- Out in the middle of nowhere. Of course, if extended, it will be higher up
I-44- Barely gets into the state
I-110- Important border crossing
I-369- Partial loop of Texarkana. Will become more important in future
I-169- Port access?
I-49 (once complete)
Quote from: CoreySamson on January 22, 2021, 02:56:50 PM
My interpretation for Texas:
I-35- Connects 3 of the largest 4 cities in Texas.
I-10- Longest interstate in Texas
I-45- Forms crucial HOU-DFW route
I-20- Important corridor for NE-SW traffic
I-30- Also part of that corridor, but not as long
I-69- (including the suffixed routes and in its current state. It would probably rise to 4th or 5th once complete)
I-610- Port of Houston, busy as heck, most important 3di in Texas
I-635- Haven't ever been to Dallas, but looks important.
I-2- Important RGV connector
I-37- See achilles765's post
I-410- San Antonio beltway. Has concurrency with I-35
I-40- Route 66
I-820- Again, never been to DFW, but seems relatively important
I-345- Same as above
I-14- Connects I-35 with Fort Hood
I-27- Out in the middle of nowhere. Of course, if extended, it will be higher up
I-44- Barely gets into the state
I-110- Important border crossing
I-369- Partial loop of Texarkana. Will become more important in future
I-169- Port access?
I-49 (once complete)
I have to admit I like your take on Texas too. 35 and 10 really are tied for first honestly. They are equally important. You have ih 14 a bit higher than i do but if one ranks it the way I did IH 69, with consideration given to its future, I could see that. As long as it ends up actually going somewhere like Georgia or even Natchez, ms. But it really needs to go through Austin and then to houston along US 290
Let's do this again:
I-90
I-95
I-93
I-495
I-91
I-195
I-290
I-84
I-291
I-190
I-391