Mine would be I-90 in the Berkshires.
The double decker portion of I-35 in San Antonio is really interesting to me.
But I really like 610 through Bellaire and the Galleria.
Regarding states I lived in, I-5 through Grapevine Canyon by far for California. I really dig the old segments of the Ridge Route that can be found if you know where to look. For Arizona it was I-17 north of Anthem to Flagstaff, talk about a terrain change! The highlight in Michigan was always I-75 over the Mackinaw Bridge. I find the Interstate system in Florida loathsome and really could never establish a favorite when I live there...probably the Skyway Bridge on I-275. Connecticut didn't really have much special with it's Interstate segments. I always like the a Chicago Skyway on I-90 when I lived in Illinois due to the lack of traffic.
Some states I worked in enough to have might as well have lived are New Mexico and Nevada. I really liked how I-15 looked in downtown Las Vegas but I have a feeling I-11 would change my mind now that it bypasses Boulder City. North of Las Cruces I-25 in New Mexico has some really nice scenery following the Rio Grande.
I-35 from Exit 245 (Carlton County 61) to Exit 259 (MN 61).
I guess it would be I-80/94 at MM 0.1 since that's what I can see out my living room window.
How I-65 and I-75 are both mostly 3 lanes they the state of Kentucky
SM-G950U
I-49 between Fayetteville (Exit 60) and Alma (Exit 20). Almost all mountains and trees, and only 3 billboard assemblies on the whole stretch!
Gotta go with Max here. I-17 on the climb up into Flagstaff.
In Kansas, it's the section of I-35 that goes through southern Chase County. The heart of the Flint Hills.
Interesting question, which can be answered for many different reasons. Whether because of scenery, infrastructure (like a really cool interchange or bridge), lack of traffic, drivability, or any other reason.
Living in Maryland, I would have to say:
I-68 (entire length in state) for its scenery.
Honorable mentions:
I-83 (north of Hunt Valley to the PA state line), also for its scenery.
I-83 (inner city) the way it winds, almost roller-coaster like, towards downtown Baltimore.
I-97, just because I feel it is often unfairly maligned :poke:
I-405 in PDX has the great city center look in the middle with a beautiful bridge (the Fremont) on the north end while the south end winds up at the most complex interchange in Oregon. If you like urban freeways, this one is a good 'un for as short as it is!
Rick
I-90 from Seattle to Ellensburg outside of rush hour / holiday weekends / snowstorms.
An urban engineering marvel with great lake and mountain views, then a slow ascent up to Snoqualmie Pass, and finally seeing the landscape give way to rolling prairie. All in a short 100 miles or so.
I-75 from Gaylord to St. Ignace.
In Kentucky? Honestly? None of them.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2020, 02:10:34 PM
Mine would be I-90 in the Berkshires.
For once I agree with you.
I actually used to have a favorite in Mass, and it's gone. I used to love the elevated Central Artery of I-93 thru Boston.
Quote from: SectorZ on April 14, 2020, 06:06:37 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2020, 02:10:34 PM
Mine would be I-90 in the Berkshires.
For once I agree with you.
I actually used to have a favorite in Mass, and it's gone. I used to love the elevated Central Artery of I-93 thru Boston.
The tunnels through downtown Boston are still pretty cool, but I never got to see the original Central Artery.
For Virginia, one that stands out to me is I-95 northbound (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.52519,-77.4283283,3a,49.4y,352.18h,89.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCsxSqwPne_LotEOSA8elCg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) heading into Downtown Richmond, crossing the James River, with a great view of Downtown.
Another one would be the I-464 northbound / I-264 eastbound (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.8383618,-76.2869915,3a,75y,352.25h,85.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjA635tO4mB9Z2BGB7LA2yw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) approaches, heading into Downtown Norfolk, crossing the Elizabeth River, with a great view of Downtown and the Shipyard.
The other obvious ones in Hampton Roads would be the I-664 Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.9097355,-76.4186637,3a,49.1y,29.83h,80.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLoxMxO3rle0yscGyhS_n1g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) and the I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.971785,-76.2997306,3a,48.6y,0.05h,84.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1see3f4TJhHuIM6MtW-Ni6TA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).
For Northern Virginia, the I-95 / I-495 / I-395 Springfield Interchange (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Aerial_view_of_Springfield_Interchange%2C_September_2018.JPG/1280px-Aerial_view_of_Springfield_Interchange%2C_September_2018.JPG) and the I-95 / I-495 Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7931218,-77.0471059,3a,66.5y,108.48h,83.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9JmOjYoTxndqEqDETHh85g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).
I'm going to go with I-44 between MO-100 and I-270. Throughout the state, I-44 tends to avoid the most rugged parts of the Missouri Ozarks, though by the St. Louis suburbs the highway (literally) cuts right through them. It is six (later eight) lanes and is known as the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. Several state parks, including Route 66 and Castlewood parks are along this corridor.
Virginia
I-664 bridge-tunnel
I-95 section with HOT Lanes
I-495 section with HOT Lanes
I-395 section with HOT Lanes
Springfield Interchange I-95/I-395/I-495/VA-644
I-77 at Fancy Gap
I-77 at Big Walker Mountain Tunnel and Little Walker Mountain
I-64 over North Mountain
Quote from: hbelkins on April 14, 2020, 06:01:24 PM
In Kentucky? Honestly? None of them.
I've quite enjoyed I-75 in Kentucky both times I've been down that way. What's not to like about a rural six-lane interstate?
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2020, 07:33:09 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 14, 2020, 06:01:24 PM
In Kentucky? Honestly? None of them.
I've quite enjoyed I-75 in Kentucky both times I've been down that way. What's not to like about a rural six-lane interstate?
Pretty much part of I-95 in Florida and Georgia is six lanes yet throughly detestable.
Milwaukee's interchanges - though not as good as the ones in Texas.
I-75 north of mile marker 330.
Interstate 76-the original PA Turnpike section between Irwin and Carlisle
For NJ, I'd say Interstate 80 west of the Morristown area. Driving through the NJ Skylands is almost like driving through the Poconos. And I love the rock walls on either side - especially in winter, when icicles form off the layers of rock cut.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2020, 07:37:21 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2020, 07:33:09 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 14, 2020, 06:01:24 PM
In Kentucky? Honestly? None of them.
I've quite enjoyed I-75 in Kentucky both times I've been down that way. What's not to like about a rural six-lane interstate?
Pretty much part of I-95 in Florida and Georgia is six lanes yet throughly detestable.
... but I think it would be
even more detestable with four lanes. So the six lanes is still a net positive.
Probably I-490. I-787 through downtown Albany is a nice drive as well.
I-435 between K-10 and State Line Road, except I hate the 50-MPH speed limit on the C/D roadways between K-10 and I-35.
Maryland
I-95 thru Baltimore and Fort McHenry Tunnel
I-68 in Western Maryland
I'll throw out a few more:
In Illinois, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) in Chicago between the Jane Byrne Interchange (I-290) and the Edens Expressway.
In Pennsylvania, I-376 coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel, when you first see the Pittsburgh skyline.
Similarly, in Kentucky, I-71/75 coming north when you first see downtown Cincinnati.
In Arizona, the stretch on I-8 through the mountains just east of Yuma where the eastbound and westbound carriageways cross over each other and then cross back.
I-94 in southwest Michigan, where you might catch a glimpse of a dune or two.
Although I do not travel this particular way much, I would say I-64 from Frankfort to the West Virginia line. You have the transition from the rolling hills and horse farms to the Appalachian foothills and western ranges.
For a photo opportunity, I-71/75 coming down the Covington cut-in-the-hill as one sees the skyline of Cincinnati.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on April 14, 2020, 06:52:57 PM
I'm going to go with I-44 between MO-100 and I-270. Throughout the state, I-44 tends to avoid the most rugged parts of the Missouri Ozarks, though by the St. Louis suburbs the highway (literally) cuts right through them. It is six (later eight) lanes and is known as the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. Several state parks, including Route 66 and Castlewood parks are along this corridor.
IMHO some of the forested median sections on I-44 near Fort Leonard Wood, or the area near the Little Piney Creek Crossing are better. Though if I had to pick a stretch of interstate in Missouri, it would be a tough choice between I-55 between MO 32 and the Ozora Exit (if not down to the St. Marys Exit) (https://goo.gl/maps/M3kmo3JKMrURRjZ1A), or the decent and endangered double deck section of I-229 in St. Joseph. (https://goo.gl/maps/kep3nqmpDtmPX5es6)
For Illinois, it would probably be part of eastbound I-24 between IL 37 to the point west of the New Columbia/Big Bay interchange (Exit 27)
Mine is I-95 approaching downtown Richmond, already mentioned upthread.
I also like I-64 on Afton Mtn and the turnpike-like trumpet interchange with US 250 there.
Quote from: plain on April 14, 2020, 10:54:48 PM
Mine is I-95 approaching downtown Richmond, already mentioned upthread.
https://tinyurl.com/u6h4s72
https://tinyurl.com/us9wndn
https://tinyurl.com/vjoc6nb
Quote from: Konza on April 14, 2020, 09:24:48 PM
In Illinois, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) in Chicago between the Jane Byrne Interchange (I-290) and the Edens Expressway.
That is a good one to pick - including Hubbard's Cave
That said, assuming traffic is not at a standstill, driving Inbound on the Ike (I-290) from the Western Burbs, and seeing the top of the Sears Tower on the horizon, and then it growing and the rest of the Skyline appearing, until one approaches and enters the South Loop on Congress Pkwy in Downtown Chicago, is a cool effect. Yes, you get similar effects from the Southside and South Burbs on the Ryan, Southwest side and Burbs on the Stevenson, and even on the Kennedy and Edens, Northwest and North, respectively, but none of those simply turn into a Downtown Street 1 block south of the Loop
IL is home to two Interstate Bumps! I-74/I-80 and I-64/I-70, but I'm not sure that is something to be proud of
Outside of the Effingham Cross I can't think of anything really remarkable about the Downstate IL Interstate Routes. In terms of numbering range, IL does contain 4 x4s (just misses having a 5th) - 24, 64, 74, 94 all travel the state, making an E-W 2DI "range" of 70, second only to California, I believe
Trying to stay away from the DC area (probably 95% of my total interstate mileage ever driven) with this answer, but I've always liked I-81 through the Shennandoah Valley - took a lot of family drives there, with older siblings going to VT and JMU.
I'm going with I-95, Cross Bronx and Trans Manhattan.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2020, 06:08:11 PM
The tunnels through downtown Boston are still pretty cool, but I never got to see the original Central Artery.
It was a mess designed for the freeway needs of 1947. Too bad it lasted into the first few years of the 21st Century *heh*
Originally built to be a part of I-95 (which would have entered into the SE X-way at the Mass Ave Exit [which was originally a freeway-to-freeway style interchange built for the never-built SW X-way] and left at the Mystic Bridge exit for today's US-1), it was 3 lanes each direction with multiple exits, no accel or decel lanes, and as traffic increased, the speed limit was dropped to 35.
I drove on it quite a few times in the mid 1990s when I used to do anime shop runs to Harvard Square. RIP Tokyo Kid, you will be missed. Since the Big Dog didn't fully open until after I moved to Minnesota, I've only driven in the Big Dig twice.
https://www.google.com/search?q=boston+central+artery&rlz=1C1GCEV_enUS874US874&sxsrf=ALeKk03_is_liITf86c8Ki743nDNGjyInQ:1586927519028&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=QGDn7BYM0oBiAM%253A%252CwtKOHs3tSXPJUM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQrHF6LrvPglZlX-xRfwmz5ek8rOw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjg_bjY1enoAhUAl3IEHQE8CjkQ9QEwCXoECAQQOA&biw=955&bih=892#imgrc=-CzQuNPkUmuoGM&imgdii=QGDn7BYM0oBiAM
That's a tough question. If I restrict myself to northern Utah, at least in spring it's hard to beat I-84 coming down from Idaho into the Wasatch Front, because the rolling hills common in that area of Utah look absolutely amazing when they're green. But I've also always enjoyed the two canyon portions on I-84 east of Ogden, and there are a couple places on I-80 and I-215 with great views of the Salt Lake City area and surrounding mountains. That eastern section of 215 is definitely my favorite urban interstate.
As far as southern Utah goes, I-15 is a neat drive between Cedar City and St George, as is I-70 between US 89 and I-15. I've never done 70 across the swell myself so I can't comment on that section specifically, but from what I've seen it looks like something I need to drive at some point.
Hmmm... For Indiana, I would have to go with either I-69 between Crane and Bloomington or I-64 in southern Indiana...
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 14, 2020, 08:15:15 PM
I-75 north of mile marker 330.
But then you miss Sea Shell City! :bigass:
Quote from: SSOWorld on April 14, 2020, 07:37:59 PM
Milwaukee's interchanges - though not as good as the ones in Texas.
My WI pick is I-94 between Osseo and Black River Falls, especially the section between WIS 95 and WIS 121. Gentle yet long ascents and descents through the rolling central WI farmland.
Other choices
ND: I-94 in Roosevelt NP
SD: I-90 at the Missouri River
IL: lolno
MI: Mackinac Bridge
Quote from: vdeane on April 14, 2020, 08:47:12 PM
Probably I-490.
I-490 has a lot of variation in character from end to end - any segment in particular?
I-5 north from Tacoma and south from Everett, both leading into downtown Seattle.
As for my home state, it's the I-90/I-94/I-290 expressways leading into downtown Chicago, which remain the most spectacular drives of all time with the skyline coming in before you.
I-196 coming into Grand Rapids from the west
Quote from: ftballfan on April 15, 2020, 11:04:02 AM
I-196 coming into Grand Rapids from the west
Especially at night.
Two words: Franconia Notch
Doesn't really get much better than that sticking to interstates!
I-75 northbound over the Rouge River. It's in an industrial part of town but has the best view of the Detroit skyline with the Ambassador Bridge in the foreground.
Although extremely dilapidated and congested, I-278 in New York offers some stunning views at least from Brooklyn. The gowanus and BQE offer amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and traversing through Brooklyn is an unique experience. If you catch if in the morning, it's amazing!
Quote from: webny99 on April 15, 2020, 10:11:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 14, 2020, 08:47:12 PM
Probably I-490.
I-490 has a lot of variation in character from end to end - any segment in particular?
I like both the section through the city, which is a nice urban freeway drive outside of rush hour, and the section east of the city heading to/from the Thruway, which has long had an association as being the start/end of trips to/from Rochester (and is a nice drive too). Not so much the western section.
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2020, 07:33:09 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 14, 2020, 06:01:24 PM
In Kentucky? Honestly? None of them.
I've quite enjoyed I-75 in Kentucky both times I've been down that way. What's not to like about a rural six-lane interstate?
The traffic, especially the truck traffic.
Quote from: vdeane on April 15, 2020, 12:59:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 15, 2020, 10:11:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 14, 2020, 08:47:12 PM
Probably I-490.
I-490 has a lot of variation in character from end to end - any segment in particular?
I like both the section through the city, which is a nice urban freeway drive outside of rush hour, and the section east of the city heading to/from the Thruway, which has long had an association as being the start/end of trips to/from Rochester (and is a nice drive too). Not so much the western section.
Gotcha. I have similar feelings, notwithstanding my frequent comments about the four-lane section needing to be widened. :)
The western section certainly isn't a bad road either, but you can really tell it was built way out with suburban expansion in mind, leaving it with huge medians and feeling a bit vast and empty almost to the point of being eerie. Case in point, I much prefer the character of the Exit 25-27 stretch, even though it can be crowded, than the Exit 4-6 stretch, which feels like the middle of nowhere and is just too spread out or my liking. Plus, most of the metro area can use I-390 to get to the WB Thruway/Buffalo instead, so it doesn't have that "essential" feeling of status and importance to it like the eastern leg does.
I-84 east of Pendleton, the Deadman Pass a.k.a. Cabbage Hill a.k.a. Emigrant Hill section.
For PA
1) I-376 EB exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel
2) I-76 between Carlisle and Breezewood
3) I-176
4) All of I-90
5) I-276 for the 70 limit and 3 lanes
6) I-99 with the US 322 overlap
Quote from: sbeaver44 on April 15, 2020, 08:22:46 PM
For PA
...
4) All of I-90
That's actually one of my least favorite pieces of interstate, in no small part because of the ridiculous 55 mph limit through what is supposedly "the Erie area". I could do with an extra lane in each direction and a 70 mph speed limit on that stretch, please and thank you! :)
Quote from: webny99 on April 15, 2020, 08:43:54 PM
Quote from: sbeaver44 on April 15, 2020, 08:22:46 PM
For PA
...
4) All of I-90
That's actually one of my least favorite pieces of interstate, in no small part because of the ridiculous 55 mph limit through what is supposedly "the Erie area". I could do with an extra lane in each direction and a 70 mph speed limit on that stretch, please and thank you! :)
Speed limit = 55 mph
Road design = 70 mph
Actual speed = 70 mph
Reminds me of PA I-70 south of the Turnpike. 22 miles of 55 mph on rural interstate, where drivers travel at a minimum of 70 mph. As soon as you cross into Maryland, no change in road design, speed limit 70 mph.
Quote from: webny99 on April 15, 2020, 04:06:25 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 15, 2020, 12:59:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 15, 2020, 10:11:37 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 14, 2020, 08:47:12 PM
Probably I-490.
I-490 has a lot of variation in character from end to end - any segment in particular?
I like both the section through the city, which is a nice urban freeway drive outside of rush hour, and the section east of the city heading to/from the Thruway, which has long had an association as being the start/end of trips to/from Rochester (and is a nice drive too). Not so much the western section.
Gotcha. I have similar feelings, notwithstanding my frequent comments about the four-lane section needing to be widened. :)
The western section certainly isn't a bad road either, but you can really tell it was built way out with suburban expansion in mind, leaving it with huge medians and feeling a bit vast and empty almost to the point of being eerie. Case in point, I much prefer the character of the Exit 25-27 stretch, even though it can be crowded, than the Exit 4-6 stretch, which feels like the middle of nowhere and is just too spread out or my liking. Plus, most of the metro area can use I-390 to get to the WB Thruway/Buffalo instead, so it doesn't have that "essential" feeling of status and importance to it like the eastern leg does.
25-27 is quite nice from a roadgeek perspective. As much as it needs a widening, part of me would be sad to see it because then we'd no longer have the narrow four-lane freeway with box beam in the median. The aesthetic would be completely different.
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 15, 2020, 08:46:45 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 15, 2020, 08:43:54 PM
Quote from: sbeaver44 on April 15, 2020, 08:22:46 PM
For PA
...
4) All of I-90
That's actually one of my least favorite pieces of interstate, in no small part because of the ridiculous 55 mph limit through what is supposedly "the Erie area". I could do with an extra lane in each direction and a 70 mph speed limit on that stretch, please and thank you! :)
Speed limit = 55 mph
Road design = 70 mph
Actual speed = 70 mph
Reminds me of PA I-70 south of the Turnpike. 22 miles of 55 mph on rural interstate, where drivers travel at a minimum of 70 mph. As soon as you cross into Maryland, no change in road design, speed limit 70 mph.
I first drove that part of I-70 when there was a work zone on the Maryland side. Despite all the signs warning of a "reduced speed ahead", the speed limit still went
up when crossing the border, to 60.
Quote from: vdeane on April 15, 2020, 08:52:27 PM
25-27 is quite nice from a roadgeek perspective. As much as it needs a widening, part of me would be sad to see it because then we'd no longer have the narrow four-lane freeway with box beam in the median. The aesthetic would be completely different.
Any widening could likely retain the existing design, it would just pave an additional lane each way to the outside.
Quote from: vdeane on April 15, 2020, 08:52:27 PM
25-27 is quite nice from a roadgeek perspective. As much as it needs a widening, part of me would be sad to see it because then we'd no longer have the narrow four-lane freeway with box beam in the median. The aesthetic would be completely different.
That's true, it's almost like a European/UK style freeway, which we don't have a lot of around here. The Marsh Road bridge replacement a few years ago would have been the time to widen it, but they didn't even make the new bridges wide enough for six lanes, so it looks like the vintage character will be preserved for at least the foreseeable future. :)
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 15, 2020, 08:58:25 PM
Any widening could likely retain the existing design, it would just pave an additional lane each way to the outside.
I'll let vdeane comment on this, but... I'm not sure that would work on this particular stretch. And even if it did, the guard rail in the median (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0904009,-77.4993965,3a,78.4y,170.89h,82.91t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1szLUzbOmp96GxtNOHp2-zWw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DzLUzbOmp96GxtNOHp2-zWw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D62.142628%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) would almost certainly be replaced by jersey barrier.
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 15, 2020, 08:58:25 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 15, 2020, 08:52:27 PM
25-27 is quite nice from a roadgeek perspective. As much as it needs a widening, part of me would be sad to see it because then we'd no longer have the narrow four-lane freeway with box beam in the median. The aesthetic would be completely different.
Any widening could likely retain the existing design, it would just pave an additional lane each way to the outside.
The underlying concrete is old enough that a major rehab or reconstruction is not out of the question (in fact, the stretch from 27-29 got just that 20 years ago). Also worth noting that this recently replaced bridge (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0841784,-77.4913581,3a,75y,317.02h,84.61t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sXwMdWpYw6CfCxu439sRxLw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DXwMdWpYw6CfCxu439sRxLw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D59.82123%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) has a standard jersey barrier (and, alas, no provisions for a widening) rather than the original box beam (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0841749,-77.4913988,3a,75y,317.02h,84.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smitH4P_KdpCiAjS3DSNDUQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Just adding a lane on the outside would also require every single overpass to be replaced, including possibly the brand new one at exit 27 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0589739,-77.4713502,3a,75y,172.62h,89.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skCC1JteEfvXh8c-O0xVpfA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) (if you went with new through lanes rather than auxiliary lanes, anyways). It's highly unlikely that the road would be widened without significant work, especially given NYSDOT's current funding situation and current project priorities.
For Pennsylvania, I have to say the new I-95 flyovers at the Turnpike, since this was a project 36 years in the making.
I lived in Maryland for about 7 years or so, so I will weigh in with I-97, because it was under construction during the years I lived there.
I was just out on I-390 and I-490 earlier this year. The potholes in the seams between lanes were unnerving.
Quote from: Rothman on April 15, 2020, 10:55:09 PM
I was just out on I-390 and I-490 earlier this year. The potholes in the seams between lanes were unnerving.
Yeah, I hear you, there is quite a bit of that around here. Try some of the local state routes, like NY 441 and NY 286!
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on April 15, 2020, 03:09:38 AM
Hmmm... For Indiana, I would have to go with either I-69 between Crane and Bloomington or I-64 in southern Indiana...
Agreed. For me, they are one and two, in that order. Some from Indy may think that I'm crazy, but I'd give an honorable mention to 465. Despite its shortcomings, I think it's a pretty cool road.
In my case, it would be the segment of I-5 between Lake Shasta and Weed -- you get evergreen forests galore, canyon running, an adjacent heavily-used rail line -- and, of course, Mt. Shasta looming over the whole shooting match! Of particular note, IMO, is the long arc uphill from Dunsmuir to Mt. Shasta City and the section skirting the cinder dome (aka Black Butte) between MSC and Weed. Scenery, great alignment -- everything one could want in a mountain Interstate.
Doing this for Iowa is tough. I am inclined to go with I-235 through Des Moines because it's fast and doesn't get the truck traffic I-35/80 gets.
I-68 from Frostburg to the West Virginia line. Gorgeous scenery.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on April 14, 2020, 06:52:57 PM
I'm going to go with I-44 between MO-100 and I-270. Throughout the state, I-44 tends to avoid the most rugged parts of the Missouri Ozarks, though by the St. Louis suburbs the highway (literally) cuts right through them. It is six (later eight) lanes and is known as the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. Several state parks, including Route 66 and Castlewood parks are along this corridor.
The part of I-44 near Jerome is also pretty mountainous.
Tough choice since we have a lot of pretty spots, but I-70 right by Genessee coming westbound where you get your first view of mountains that go above treeline.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 19, 2020, 09:38:35 PM
Tough choice since we have a lot of pretty spots, but I-70 right by Genessee coming westbound where you get your first view of mountains that go above treeline.
Chris
I love that spot, but the first thing that popped to mind for me was I-70/Glenwood Canyon (more specifically some of the spots where you get great views of the whitewater rafters while driving). So many great options here though, so there is no wrong choice.
When I visited Colorado for the first time as an adult in 2015, it was at the Chief Hosa exit going westbound that took my breath away. It took me back to CO in 2018 and 2019, though now I'm kind of Coloradoed out for a while.
Quote from: Bruce on April 14, 2020, 05:56:07 PM
I-90 from Seattle to Ellensburg outside of rush hour / holiday weekends / snowstorms.
An urban engineering marvel with great lake and mountain views, then a slow ascent up to Snoqualmie Pass, and finally seeing the landscape give way to rolling prairie. All in a short 100 miles or so.
Hey Bruce! My wife and I plan on moving to the Seattle area in about a year. She wants to do grad school at UW while I was considering getting a master's in history from somewhere else. I float the idea of commuting from E'burg to Seattle, but the pass seems like it would be treacherous in the winter. Do you think it would be even slightly realistic to make that drive regularly in the colder months?
I'll go with I-280, especially the Glass City Skyway
I like I-83 through Harrisburg because it's such a glorious mess. :-D
I-10 in Louisiana between Lafayette and Baton Rouge, specifically the long bridges over the Atchafalaya Swamp. Minus the chance for crashes and fires that shut it down and back it up.
If the US 90 corridor becomes I-49, my vote would be the swamp section of freeway between Morgan City and Houma. It's a different feel from I-10. You feel more like you're traveling through a canal with the way the cypress trees surround the elevated corridor.
iPhone
Quote from: DandyDan on April 16, 2020, 04:37:43 AM
Doing this for Iowa is tough. I am inclined to go with I-235 through Des Moines because it's fast and doesn't get the truck traffic I-35/80 gets.
Except I-235 has the permanent speed cameras. I-80/I-35 doesn't have any for now. I used to use I-235 more through Des Moines, but now find the risk of a camera ticket is enough of a trade off to put up with I-35/I-80.
Quote from: Konza on April 14, 2020, 05:11:19 PM
In Kansas, it's the section of I-35 that goes through southern Chase County. The heart of the Flint Hills.
Definitely the winner for me too, hands down.
But it's my
least favorite stretch of Interstate when there's ice or heavy rain. Drainage along that part of the KTA leaves something to be desired.
You know, for all the love Glenwood Canyon gets for I-70 in Colorado, I think De Beque Canyon (https://goo.gl/maps/H84rDvwVMgNWvt2e7) (Mesa County) really deserves honorable mention.
Quote from: sbeaver44 on April 15, 2020, 08:22:46 PM
For PA
6) I-99 with the US 322 overlap
Really? I love 99 south of Port Matilda (i.e. where 322 splits off). Long, straight freeway for twenty miles with stunning views and almost no traffic... perfect place to
figure out how fast your car can really go obey the speed limit at 70mph.
I-80 through the Poconos is pretty nice. It may not be interstate - yet - but US-15 (future 99) north of Williamsport to the state line is a beautiful drive. Actually, leaving aside that it's boring as hell, most of I-80 in PA is a really nice drive.
Am I allowed to split directions? I-99 north from exits 39-68 is fine... but southbound on that stretch is amazing. Slight downhill, perfect views to the right, 80mph traffic pace on the slow end. It's perfect.
Minnesota, I nominate:
I-90 entry from Wisconsin. Hugs the bottom of the Mississippi River bluffs with a quick climb to the Nodine exit. Best views heading eastbound. Unfortunately, that's it for scenery as I-90 progressively become extremely level with few trees and lots of flat cornfields all the way to South Dakota.
1-35 descent into Duluth. Biggest grade change on a MN interstate with a commanding view of the port of Duluth and Superior harbor and Lake Superior. An unusually narrow median also.
I-35W approaches to downtown Minneapolis, NB and SB. Great views of skyline. Major reconfiguration of the freeway south of DT under construction now.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 15, 2020, 08:08:41 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on April 14, 2020, 07:37:59 PM
Milwaukee's interchanges - though not as good as the ones in Texas.
My WI pick is I-94 between Osseo and Black River Falls, especially the section between WIS 95 and WIS 121. Gentle yet long ascents and descents through the rolling central WI farmland.
For scenery, I agree.
I would also nominate I-794 NB across the Milwaukee Harbor on the Hoan Bridge. Fun view of skyline with Lake Michigan just below.
From back when I lived in Illinois, my favorite was I-24 from Tunnel Hill to Vienna.
Not in Ohio, but in the Cincinnati metro area, I-71/75 Northbound approaching the Brent Spence Bridge:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/I-71,+Covington,+KY+41014/@39.0655126,-84.5212542,3a,75y,146.72h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sIlo__iZsS-tlnzPOdMJoAw!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x8841b0d52368060b:0xcf28b1796fd93e05
Quote from: kphoger on May 08, 2020, 12:06:04 PM
From back when I lived in Illinois, my favorite was I-24 from Tunnel Hill to Vienna.
I would go with this same section but extend the eastern/southern limit to be to the start of the flat section prior to the Big Bay/New Columbia interchange.
For second place, I would go with the ascent (https://goo.gl/maps/p5pd9YqFt2yJuirv7)/descent west of the Illinois River bridges on I-72.
It's hard to choose on account of how binary Missouri's interstates are (urban traffic & suburban hell vs boring plains, for the most part). That said, I've enjoyed I-44 between Springfield and Rolla every time I've been on it. The Meramec Caverns signs are my favorite part to boot.
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on May 08, 2020, 04:36:30 AM
1-35 descent into Duluth. Biggest grade change on a MN interstate with a commanding view of the port of Duluth and Superior harbor and Lake Superior. An unusually narrow median also.
The section from Boundary Ave to US 2 was more or less overlaid directly onto the existing US 61 expressway. There are still remnants of the original Thompson Hill rest area which I-35 was partly built on top of, but they're not really visible from road level.
Quote from: Revive 755 on May 16, 2020, 01:20:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 08, 2020, 12:06:04 PM
From back when I lived in Illinois, my favorite was I-24 from Tunnel Hill to Vienna.
I would go with this same section but extend the eastern/southern limit to be to the start of the flat section prior to the Big Bay/New Columbia interchange.
I was going to say - such a short section! What makes it stand out?
Quote from: webny99 on May 17, 2020, 11:45:43 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on May 16, 2020, 01:20:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 08, 2020, 12:06:04 PM
From back when I lived in Illinois, my favorite was I-24 from Tunnel Hill to Vienna.
I would go with this same section but extend the eastern/southern limit to be to the start of the flat section prior to the Big Bay/New Columbia interchange.
I was going to say - such a short section! What makes it stand out?
I was just thinking small. As a whole, I enjoy the entire section from I-57 to the Kentucky border.