Interstate Freeway Ending

[JKRhodes]

I-17 ends at a traffic light. It's the only interstate I'm aware of that has sidewalks and restaurant driveways along its length (albeit only the first hundred feet).

Of course, it could be argued that I-17's true terminus is the McConnell Dr. Overpass, but there isn't any signage to indicate one way or the other.

Are you sure that's the official terminus instead of I-40?  I always thought it was I-40.  Wikipedia agrees, and so do the signs from I-40 and NB I-17: https://goo.gl/maps/6REr2r2BmVAzvRnD7 , https://goo.gl/maps/kEQJ377sr2scDCai6 , https://goo.gl/maps/6R6sDFZ3ozmHxSP39 .  I'm inclined to believe this sign: https://goo.gl/maps/7ydHXyvb5NgiwXj96 , is shorthand for "TO SOUTH I-17," but hey, I've been wrong before.

https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ROW/Plans/I-17/Index_to_Interstate_17.pdf

Page 11. End of I-17 is indicated at a length of road a small distance away from the system interchange with I-40. If the map is to scale, that would put the endpoint somewhere between the McConnell overpass and Forest Meadows Street (The stoplight)

EDIT: Corrected street name

[JKRhodes]

I-17 ends at a traffic light. It's the only interstate I'm aware of that has sidewalks and restaurant driveways along its length (albeit only the first hundred feet).

Of course, it could be argued that I-17's true terminus is the McConnell Dr. Overpass, but there isn't any signage to indicate one way or the other.

Are you sure that's the official terminus instead of I-40?  I always thought it was I-40.  Wikipedia agrees, and so do the signs from I-40 and NB I-17: https://goo.gl/maps/6REr2r2BmVAzvRnD7 , https://goo.gl/maps/kEQJ377sr2scDCai6 , https://goo.gl/maps/6R6sDFZ3ozmHxSP39 .  I'm inclined to believe this sign: https://goo.gl/maps/7ydHXyvb5NgiwXj96 , is shorthand for "TO SOUTH I-17," but hey, I've been wrong before.

https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ROW/Plans/I-17/Index_to_Interstate_17.pdf

Page 11. End of I-17 is indicated at a length of road a small distance away from the system interchange with I-40. If the map is to scale, that would put the endpoint somewhere between the McConnell overpass and Forest Meadows Street (The stoplight)

EDIT: Corrected street name

Upon further inspection, drawing indicates end of I-17 at a bridge. So its official terminus is at the McConnell Dr. overpass. It becomes Milton Rd just prior to the stoplight, which explains the sidewalks and driveways .The addressing of Denny's, Sizzler, and Del Taco on "Milton Dr." seem to confirm this.

[Rothman]

I-384's east end becomes a 4 lane divided US 6/44, which splits less than a mile away.
I-684's north end becomes a 2 lane NY 22, which joins the north end for the last few hundred feet at its last interchange.
And speaking of I-90. it's east end is now at MA 1A
I-391 ends at a traffic light in downtown Holyoke
I-587 ends in a traffic circle
And there is much debate about the north end of I-787.  Does it transition to NY 787, or exit onto NY 7 and end at the east end of the bridge?

I-787 crosses the Collar City Bridge.

[cpzilliacus]

I-70.

Even though I-70 traffic is compelled to drive through Breezewood, I do not think they are on I-70 there.  That is U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway).

[DJ Particle]

Even though I-70 traffic is compelled to drive through Breezewood, I do not think they are on I-70 there.  That is U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway).

I always assumed it was part of I-70, in light of the non-freeway section of I-78 and Wyoming's I-180.

[Ned Weasel]

It's the only interstate I'm aware of that has sidewalks and restaurant driveways along its length (albeit only the first hundred feet).

I-676, I-78, I-70.

I-180 has sidewalks: https://goo.gl/maps/46a8g8B6LWbDfF7F9 .  I wish I-70 did for that third of a mile, to be honest.

https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ROW/Plans/I-17/Index_to_Interstate_17.pdf

Page 11. End of I-17 is indicated at a length of road a small distance away from the system interchange with I-40. If the map is to scale, that would put the endpoint somewhere between the McConnell overpass and Forest Meadows Street (The stoplight)

EDIT: Corrected street name

Upon further inspection, drawing indicates end of I-17 at a bridge. So its official terminus is at the McConnell Dr. overpass. It becomes Milton Rd just prior to the stoplight, which explains the sidewalks and driveways .The addressing of Denny's, Sizzler, and Del Taco on "Milton Dr." seem to confirm this.

Huh!  I did not know that!

Even though I-70 traffic is compelled to drive through Breezewood, I do not think they are on I-70 there.  That is U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway).

I always assumed it was part of I-70, in light of the non-freeway section of I-78 and Wyoming's I-180.

Going east, it's signed as US 30 to I-70: https://goo.gl/maps/hKkJkKFZhapAK4KY9 , https://goo.gl/maps/R93Wxz6fVnyDW1o18 .  Going west, it's signed as I-70: https://goo.gl/maps/7haZNiwYZUnFJbkc7 , https://goo.gl/maps/rcomJBzHEhyPYdhn9 .  Perhaps it's a matter of the PTC and PennDOT not agreeing on how to sign it. 

[JKRhodes]

I-180 has sidewalks: https://goo.gl/maps/46a8g8B6LWbDfF7F9 .  I wish I-70 did for that third of a mile, to be honest.

I-180 is a very special case, and from what I've seen, a sensitive topic for some. The Breezewood section of I-70 would definitely benefit from adequate sidewalks and turning lanes, unless the goal is to eventually let those businesses die off and tear them down so the freeway can be finished.

Even then, the freeway that actually needs to be built is well south of the business area. I don't know. It's... a mess, to say the least. I'm glad I don't live there and have to deal with tolls. 

https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ROW/Plans/I-17/Index_to_Interstate_17.pdf

Page 11. End of I-17 is indicated at a length of road a small distance away from the system interchange with I-40. If the map is to scale, that would put the endpoint somewhere between the McConnell overpass and Forest Meadows Street (The stoplight)

EDIT: Corrected street name

Upon further inspection, drawing indicates end of I-17 at a bridge. So its official terminus is at the McConnell Dr. overpass. It becomes Milton Rd just prior to the stoplight, which explains the sidewalks and driveways .The addressing of Denny's, Sizzler, and Del Taco on "Milton Dr." seem to confirm this.

Huh!  I did not know that!

Honestly I was never absolutely sure either. ADOT is really good about providing end route signage on its US routes and state routes. Interstates, not so much. Perhaps in this instance the lack of signage is justified because it would be superfluous with everything else going on at those junctions.

[ethanhopkin14]

I-180 has sidewalks: https://goo.gl/maps/46a8g8B6LWbDfF7F9 .  I wish I-70 did for that third of a mile, to be honest.

I-180 is a very special case, and from what I've seen, a sensitive topic for some. The Breezewood section of I-70 would definitely benefit from adequate sidewalks and turning lanes, unless the goal is to eventually let those businesses die off and tear them down so the freeway can be finished.

Even then, the freeway that actually needs to be built is well south of the business area. I don't know. It's... a mess, to say the least. I'm glad I don't live there and have to deal with tolls. 

https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ROW/Plans/I-17/Index_to_Interstate_17.pdf

Page 11. End of I-17 is indicated at a length of road a small distance away from the system interchange with I-40. If the map is to scale, that would put the endpoint somewhere between the McConnell overpass and Forest Meadows Street (The stoplight)

EDIT: Corrected street name

Upon further inspection, drawing indicates end of I-17 at a bridge. So its official terminus is at the McConnell Dr. overpass. It becomes Milton Rd just prior to the stoplight, which explains the sidewalks and driveways .The addressing of Denny's, Sizzler, and Del Taco on "Milton Dr." seem to confirm this.

Huh!  I did not know that!

Honestly I was never absolutely sure either. ADOT is really good about providing end route signage on its US routes and state routes. Interstates, not so much. Perhaps in this instance the lack of signage is justified because it would be superfluous with everything else going on at those junctions.

Strangely enough, I don't really consider Breezewood as a gap, but it still infuriates me.  I think of it as a crappy ramp to get from one freeway to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  Now if it was one continuous freeway that had an at-grade intersection randomly in the middle with a traffic light, now that's a gap. 

[JKRhodes]

Strangely enough, I don't really consider Breezewood as a gap, but it still infuriates me.  I think of it as a crappy ramp to get from one freeway to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  Now if it was one continuous freeway that had an at-grade intersection randomly in the middle with a traffic light, now that's a gap.

The part that bothers me is how the people at that gas station and Days Inn must live in constant fear of having their business plowed into by a drunk, inattentive or sleepy driver. Then again I've never been in the area  so I don't know if this has ever been a problem.

[sbeaver44]

Would I-370 have counted at both ends before the tie in with MD 200 (when it still ended at Shady Grove Metro)?

[PurdueBill]

65 used to end at a traffic light.

It still does.

It’s very weird. Going south from US 12/20, signage indicates I-65 begins there, though I-65 northbound is considered “ended” at the Toll Road exit...before the light at US 12 and 20.

How about I-194 in Battle Creek, Michigan? After going less than two miles north from I-94, it ends at a lighted intersection at Hamblin Avenue.

There are still blue 2/10 mile markers northbound on 65 past the Toll Road exit.  The yellow "65 Ends" sign is advisory but doesn't really indicate that the designation ends there.  INDOT seems to play fast and loose with ends; they have an END 469 assembly way past the actual mile 0.0 of I-469 at the traffic signal at the Fort Wayne GM plant which makes it look like the Interstate ends at the light, even though it really doesn't, the opposite of the I-65 situation where it does make it to a light.  Northbound, right before the US 12/20 intersection, there is the green Mile 262 marker, even past the factory driveway.  (Southbound, there is one too--along with a blue service sign!)  https://goo.gl/maps/Wip3JX4YMaLccgLJA 

[SteveG1988]

So, i was on I-74 in Indianapolis IN yesterday, and i had to go past 465 on the southern end of the road, the I-74 mile markers continue to the intersection of Southeastern AVE and Garden Street. Technically that stretch of 74 just...ends there, but we all know it really goes up on the ramps to 465.

[roadman65]

How about I-78's eastern ending?. The freeway ends at a signal with Jersey Avenue in Jersey City.

[Flint1979]

So, i was on I-74 in Indianapolis IN yesterday, and i had to go past 465 on the southern end of the road, the I-74 mile markers continue to the intersection of Southeastern AVE and Garden Street. Technically that stretch of 74 just...ends there, but we all know it really goes up on the ramps to 465.

Right without looking I think MM 93 is there just before Southeastern but after I-465. I-465 is exit 94 but in reality it's within the 93rd mile.

[SteveG1988]

So, i was on I-74 in Indianapolis IN yesterday, and i had to go past 465 on the southern end of the road, the I-74 mile markers continue to the intersection of Southeastern AVE and Garden Street. Technically that stretch of 74 just...ends there, but we all know it really goes up on the ramps to 465.

Right without looking I think MM 93 is there just before Southeastern but after I-465. I-465 is exit 94 but in reality it's within the 93rd mile.

There is a MM94 inside 465's beltway. Someone got carried away.

How about I-78's eastern ending?. The freeway ends at a signal with Jersey Avenue in Jersey City.

RE: I-78. That is one of those weird things where the freeway section ends...but then continues through the tunnel to a traffic circle in NYC...it's weird

RE: 74. MM94 is on the road after it crosses under 465 and turns into a local road. It's weird.

[mhking]

65 used to end at a traffic light.

It still does.

It’s very weird. Going south from US 12/20, signage indicates I-65 begins there, though I-65 northbound is considered “ended” at the Toll Road exit...before the light at US 12 and 20.

How about I-194 in Battle Creek, Michigan? After going less than two miles north from I-94, it ends at a lighted intersection at Hamblin Avenue.

There are still blue 2/10 mile markers northbound on 65 past the Toll Road exit.  The yellow "65 Ends" sign is advisory but doesn't really indicate that the designation ends there.  INDOT seems to play fast and loose with ends; they have an END 469 assembly way past the actual mile 0.0 of I-469 at the traffic signal at the Fort Wayne GM plant which makes it look like the Interstate ends at the light, even though it really doesn't, the opposite of the I-65 situation where it does make it to a light.  Northbound, right before the US 12/20 intersection, there is the green Mile 262 marker, even past the factory driveway.  (Southbound, there is one too--along with a blue service sign!)  https://goo.gl/maps/Wip3JX4YMaLccgLJA 

Having grown up in Gary (and remembering the back and forth over that) 65 ended at the Toll Road on ramp forEVER. There was a HARD RIGHT turn where the Exit 261 ramp was - which was technically the end of the interstate. It took them a good 20 years after I-65 was built before it was extended the extra quarter mile or so to 12/20. Something about the wetlands and ownership of the property. It was an ugly fight.

When they FINALLY extended the roadway to Dunes Highway, THAT became the end of the interstate. I know there's a lot of back and forth as far as the state is concerned, but as I recall, the feds, at some point, finally stepped in and made the designation (which was part of the reason for the big have to do over the 262 mile marker).

For the life of me, I can't recall the exact year, but I do recall an article in the Post-Tribune that talked about it when they finally cut the ribbon on it.

[CtrlAltDel]

Having grown up in Gary (and remembering the back and forth over that) 65 ended at the Toll Road on ramp forEVER. There was a HARD RIGHT turn where the Exit 261 ramp was - which was technically the end of the interstate. It took them a good 20 years after I-65 was built before it was extended the extra quarter mile or so to 12/20. Something about the wetlands and ownership of the property. It was an ugly fight.

When they FINALLY extended the roadway to Dunes Highway, THAT became the end of the interstate. I know there's a lot of back and forth as far as the state is concerned, but as I recall, the feds, at some point, finally stepped in and made the designation (which was part of the reason for the big have to do over the 262 mile marker).

For the life of me, I can't recall the exact year, but I do recall an article in the Post-Tribune that talked about it when they finally cut the ribbon on it.

Fascinating. Here's a picture I found showing the area in 1967.


Interestingly, before that, the area was just a ramp from 15th Avenue for the Toll Road.

[Flint1979]

So, i was on I-74 in Indianapolis IN yesterday, and i had to go past 465 on the southern end of the road, the I-74 mile markers continue to the intersection of Southeastern AVE and Garden Street. Technically that stretch of 74 just...ends there, but we all know it really goes up on the ramps to 465.

Right without looking I think MM 93 is there just before Southeastern but after I-465. I-465 is exit 94 but in reality it's within the 93rd mile.

There is a MM94 inside 465's beltway. Someone got carried away.

How about I-78's eastern ending?. The freeway ends at a signal with Jersey Avenue in Jersey City.

RE: I-78. That is one of those weird things where the freeway section ends...but then continues through the tunnel to a traffic circle in NYC...it's weird

RE: 74. MM94 is on the road after it crosses under 465 and turns into a local road. It's weird.

MM 94 on I-74 is between I-465 and Fisher Road. Right here https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7324069,-86.0358973,3a,15y,240.5h,90.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdkYBkCbkR_lxYPf1tGJnAg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

You're thinking of MM 93 which yeah they have that posted on Old US-421.

[dvferyance]

Surprised nobody has said the northern end of I-79. Both I-535 and 794 southern ends are not at freeways.

[nwi_navigator_1181]

Having grown up in Gary (and remembering the back and forth over that) 65 ended at the Toll Road on ramp forEVER. There was a HARD RIGHT turn where the Exit 261 ramp was - which was technically the end of the interstate. It took them a good 20 years after I-65 was built before it was extended the extra quarter mile or so to 12/20. Something about the wetlands and ownership of the property. It was an ugly fight.

When they FINALLY extended the roadway to Dunes Highway, THAT became the end of the interstate. I know there's a lot of back and forth as far as the state is concerned, but as I recall, the feds, at some point, finally stepped in and made the designation (which was part of the reason for the big have to do over the 262 mile marker).

For the life of me, I can't recall the exact year, but I do recall an article in the Post-Tribune that talked about it when they finally cut the ribbon on it.

Fascinating. Here's a picture I found showing the area in 1967.


Interestingly, before that, the area was just a ramp from 15th Avenue for the Toll Road.

Interesting that I see these maps. I always knew that before the extension to US 12/20, you either had to exit to 15th Avenue or commit to the Toll Road. More telling is that 15th Avenue had a direct connect to the Toll Road; I always thought the 15th Avenue ramps were a byproduct of I-65s construction, and not pre-existing.

That does explain this sign at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive, just west of the interchange. That is a replacement of this sign that used to be there for decades. The old sign likely predated I-65, since no mention of that highway is ever made (the practice continuing with the current replacement in the former link).

My question about I-490 in Ohio: is the end of that short highway considered to be at I-77, or at the traffic light just east of there? It's been a while since I've been out there.

[Ned Weasel]

Surprised nobody has said the northern end of I-79. Both I-535 and 794 southern ends are not at freeways.

*Gasp*  That sign!  https://goo.gl/maps/EZhcLtbAoaLQTZ8q6  PennDOT usually does so much better.

[PurdueBill]

Having grown up in Gary (and remembering the back and forth over that) 65 ended at the Toll Road on ramp forEVER. There was a HARD RIGHT turn where the Exit 261 ramp was - which was technically the end of the interstate. It took them a good 20 years after I-65 was built before it was extended the extra quarter mile or so to 12/20. Something about the wetlands and ownership of the property. It was an ugly fight.

When they FINALLY extended the roadway to Dunes Highway, THAT became the end of the interstate. I know there's a lot of back and forth as far as the state is concerned, but as I recall, the feds, at some point, finally stepped in and made the designation (which was part of the reason for the big have to do over the 262 mile marker).

For the life of me, I can't recall the exact year, but I do recall an article in the Post-Tribune that talked about it when they finally cut the ribbon on it.

Fascinating. Here's a picture I found showing the area in 1967.


Interestingly, before that, the area was just a ramp from 15th Avenue for the Toll Road.

Interesting that I see these maps. I always knew that before the extension to US 12/20, you either had to exit to 15th Avenue or commit to the Toll Road. More telling is that 15th Avenue had a direct connect to the Toll Road; I always thought the 15th Avenue ramps were a byproduct of I-65s construction, and not pre-existing.

That does explain this sign at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive, just west of the interchange. That is a replacement of this sign that used to be there for decades. The old sign likely predated I-65, since no mention of that highway is ever made (the practice continuing with the current replacement in the former link).

My question about I-490 in Ohio: is the end of that short highway considered to be at I-77, or at the traffic light just east of there? It's been a while since I've been out there.

The ODOT straight-line diagram (https://transportation.ohio.gov/static/Programs/TechServices/SLD/IR/0490/SCUYIR00490.pdf) shows 490 ending at 55th Street.  Not that the mile markers are always conclusive but they are pretty good indicators, and Mile 2.4 was posted in the median just before the 55th St. intersection.

Back in 2000 I took a picture of the I-65 SB sign on the segment north of what was then the signalized intersection for the Toll Road ramp and the factory driveway on what was then finally 65; I had seen it several times and finally got a photo of it because of the novelty of the signal on the mainline; back then I had a film camera of course and it was pretty hard to get any good pics of things.  The hard right was where the northbound ramp at the signal was so that is why there was the signal for so long, right?   

[nwi_navigator_1181]

The ODOT straight-line diagram (https://transportation.ohio.gov/static/Programs/TechServices/SLD/IR/0490/SCUYIR00490.pdf) shows 490 ending at 55th Street.  Not that the mile markers are always conclusive but they are pretty good indicators, and Mile 2.4 was posted in the median just before the 55th St. intersection.

Back in 2000 I took a picture of the I-65 SB sign on the segment north of what was then the signalized intersection for the Toll Road ramp and the factory driveway on what was then finally 65; I had seen it several times and finally got a photo of it because of the novelty of the signal on the mainline; back then I had a film camera of course and it was pretty hard to get any good pics of things.  The hard right was where the northbound ramp at the signal was so that is why there was the signal for so long, right?   

Actually, that hard right is still there (if not moved up a few feet to accommodate for the slope) and was completely independent of that traffic light (it sits just north of where the light was; northbound traffic can only enter the factory, while those exiting the factory can only go southbound...but use 15th Avenue for a turnaround if needed). Once the railroad crossing was out of use (one of the big reasons for the traffic light to begin with) and INDOT secured right of way, they were able to convert it to a traditional grade-separated interchange. A newer trailblazer for I-65 south is where the sign in the picture sat then.

EDIT: I realized you meant the hard right for the ramp from north I-65 to the Toll Road. The current ramp still follows the old footprint, but my above explanation for the light (the railroad) is still valid. My mistake.

[mhking]

The ODOT straight-line diagram (https://transportation.ohio.gov/static/Programs/TechServices/SLD/IR/0490/SCUYIR00490.pdf) shows 490 ending at 55th Street.  Not that the mile markers are always conclusive but they are pretty good indicators, and Mile 2.4 was posted in the median just before the 55th St. intersection.

Back in 2000 I took a picture of the I-65 SB sign on the segment north of what was then the signalized intersection for the Toll Road ramp and the factory driveway on what was then finally 65; I had seen it several times and finally got a photo of it because of the novelty of the signal on the mainline; back then I had a film camera of course and it was pretty hard to get any good pics of things.  The hard right was where the northbound ramp at the signal was so that is why there was the signal for so long, right?   

Actually, that hard right is still there (if not moved up a few feet to accommodate for the slope) and was completely independent of that traffic light (it sits just north of where the light was; northbound traffic can only enter the factory, while those exiting the factory can only go southbound...but use 15th Avenue for a turnaround if needed). Once the railroad crossing was out of use (one of the big reasons for the traffic light to begin with) and INDOT secured right of way, they were able to convert it to a traditional grade-separated interchange. A newer trailblazer for I-65 south is where the sign in the picture sat then.

EDIT: I realized you meant the hard right for the ramp from north I-65 to the Toll Road. The current ramp still follows the old footprint, but my above explanation for the light (the railroad) is still valid. My mistake.

No worries.

The gate in your photo was an entrance off of a short gravel road back in the day.

If you were headed east on 12/20, you would bear to the right to enter the Toll Road at the ramp just past the location of the current light. That ramp was not changed. As the overhead views posted above indicated, I-65 ran north directly into the 15th Avenue/Toll Road ramp -- which was separate from the Dunes Highway ramp.

I wouldn't be surprised if all of it had been planned out in advance, just not constructed.

But yeah, the light at the tracks (I think that's the location of the old New York Central E/W high-line if my dusty memory serves me correctly) was "technically" the end of the interstate for YEARS. And yes, that's the location of the "hard right" that I was talking about. Eventually, whatever rights issues that were in play (whether it was wetlands, the railroad right of way or some other issue, I still don't recall) were finally resolved, and the interstate was extended the several-hundred feet further north to the current end at Dunes Highway (and the 262 mile marker).

I still drive through there when I get home. I was supposed to be there for my class reunion this past summer (Gary Roosevelt, Class of '80), but the pandemic put the kybosh on that. With me in my 50s and my parents in their 80s, I'm holding off awhile to head back to Da Region with all this COVID roaming around...

[NWI_Irish96]

I drove this section of 65 both directions last week, and because of this thread, I was paying closer attention to signs than I normally do. There is a "65 ends 1 mile" sign at MM 260.8.  Taken literally, that would put the end at MM 261.8, which is just past the Toll Road exit but not all the way to 12/20. However, the 262 mile marker is still there, the signs on 12/20 still say 65, not "To 65", and there is still a 65 shield on the SB lanes right after turning off 12/20, so even if by definition 65 ends at the Toll Road on some log book, that last segment of road is still functionally and practically part of 65.