Thoughts on the new I-42?

[ND6677]

So according to Wikipedia (totally a reliable source), I-42 is now signed in two parts in North Carolina. The KML map on the page show the currently signed sections (well I guess to be signed, as the Interstate was apparently signed on the 16th), and the future sections. However, I feel like there is no purpose for a full blown two digit Interstate to be in the area. Thoughts?

[JayhawkCO]

See https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=18287.0.

[ND6677]

My bad. Will do!

[bugo]

They are going to have to remove one at-grade west of Tulsa on the Keystone Expressway, do some widening on said expressway. convert US 412 from Catoosa to the western beginning of the Cherokee Turnpike, and a new alignment from near the eastern end of the turnpike, crossing into Arkansas. The US 412 expressway between Siloam Springs and Tontitown will have to be upgraded into a freeway. It will be nice when it's finished.

[NE2]

It would have made more sense as an extension of I-40, but Caltrans must have really not wanted an overlap with I-15.

[bugo]

It would have made more sense as an extension of I-40, but Caltrans must have really not wanted an overlap with I-15.

Have you been huffing bug spray again, Dan?

[Bobby5280]

They are going to have to remove one at-grade west of Tulsa on the Keystone Expressway, do some widening on said expressway. convert US 412 from Catoosa to the western beginning of the Cherokee Turnpike, and a new alignment from near the eastern end of the turnpike, crossing into Arkansas. The US 412 expressway between Siloam Springs and Tontitown will have to be upgraded into a freeway. It will be nice when it's finished.

As of 5/2024 Street View imagery the OTA was in the process of removing the grass medians on the Cimarron Turnpike near the US-64 exit. The grass medians are being replaced with concrete slabs and cable barriers. For all I know the work could be finished by now. The manned toll plazas at US-177 and OK-99 were removed and the interchanges were newly re-built. It seems like the OTA could apply to have all of the Cimarron Turnpike signed as I-42 right now.

The "free" portion of US-412 immediately East of the Cimarron Turnpike does have issues. Ramps at several exits on the Sand Springs Expressway appear to be very outdated in design. Shoulders need improvements, particularly the inboard left shoulders. The at-grade intersection with Diamond Head Drive has to be remedied.

ODOT could have I-42 signed over the North of I-244 in Tulsa (from the I-44 split on West to the IDL in Downtown). The Sand Springs Expressway going West of Downtown needs some work done. It does look like they're doing work on the Gilcrease Museum Road exit.

[webny99]

It would have made more sense as an extension of I-40, but Caltrans must have really not wanted an overlap with I-15

Unintentional double meaning: the actual route that's now I-42 would have made more sense as an extension of I-40 too, instead of veering south to Wilmington.

[Bickendan]

My thoughts on I-42 is that we still don't know the ultimate question, but it is the answer.