The Interstate Highway System is a network of highways that crisscross the United States, facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods across the nation. Some of these interstates stretch for thousands of miles, connecting major cities and regions. This article explores the top 10 longest interstates in the USA, detailing their routes, significance, and interesting facts.
Top 10 Longest Interstates in the USA
1. Interstate 90 (I-90)
Interstate 90 (I-90) is the longest interstate highway in the United States, stretching approximately 3,020 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington.
Route and Key Cities
I-90 traverses 13 states, starting in Boston and passing through major cities such as Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Madison, Sioux Falls, and Spokane, before terminating in Seattle.
Significance
I-90 is a critical east-west route, facilitating commerce and travel across the northern tier of the United States. It crosses numerous major rivers, including the Hudson, Mississippi, and Missouri, and provides access to several national parks and landmarks, including the Badlands, Yellowstone, and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
2. Interstate 80 (I-80)
Interstate 80 (I-80) is the second-longest interstate, stretching approximately 2,900 miles from Teaneck, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California.
Route and Key Cities
I-80 passes through 11 states, beginning near New York City in Teaneck and passing through major cities such as Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, and Reno before reaching San Francisco.
Significance
I-80 is a major transcontinental route, playing a vital role in connecting the East Coast with the West Coast. It parallels the historic Lincoln Highway for much of its route and provides access to important landmarks such as the Great Salt Lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
3. Interstate 40 (I-40)
Interstate 40 (I-40) spans approximately 2,555 miles from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina.
Route and Key Cities
I-40 traverses eight states, starting in Barstow and passing through major cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, and Raleigh, before ending in Wilmington.
Significance
I-40 is a critical east-west route in the southern United States, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region. It follows the historic Route 66 for much of its path and provides access to attractions like the Grand Canyon and the Great Smoky Mountains.
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4. Interstate 10 (I-10)
Interstate 10 (I-10) stretches approximately 2,460 miles from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida.
Route and Key Cities
I-10 passes through eight states, beginning in Santa Monica and passing through major cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Baton Rouge, and Mobile, before terminating in Jacksonville.
Significance
I-10 is a major east-west route in the southern United States, connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. It provides access to numerous major ports and economic hubs and parallels the Gulf of Mexico for a significant portion of its route.
5. Interstate 70 (I-70)
Interstate 70 (I-70) spans approximately 2,153 miles from Cove Fort, Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland.
Route and Key Cities
I-70 traverses 10 states, starting in Cove Fort and passing through major cities such as Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, before ending in Baltimore.
Significance
I-70 is a vital east-west route, connecting the Rocky Mountains with the Atlantic Coast. It provides access to significant historical and cultural sites, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the historic districts of Baltimore.
6. Interstate 95 (I-95)
Interstate 95 (I-95) is the longest north-south interstate, stretching approximately 1,924 miles from Houlton, Maine, to Miami, Florida.
Route and Key Cities
I-95 passes through 15 states, beginning at the Canadian border in Houlton and passing through major cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, Savannah, and Jacksonville, before terminating in Miami.
Significance
I-95 is a major north-south artery, serving as the primary route along the East Coast of the United States. It connects numerous major cities and economic centers, facilitating commerce and travel along the densely populated Atlantic seaboard.
7. Interstate 75 (I-75)
Interstate 75 (I-75) spans approximately 1,786 miles from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Miami, Florida.
Route and Key Cities
I-75 passes through six states, beginning at the Canadian border in Sault Ste. Marie and passing through major cities such as Detroit, Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati, Lexington, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Tampa, before ending in Miami.
Significance
I-75 is a critical north-south route, connecting the Great Lakes region with the southeastern United States. It provides access to important economic and cultural centers and serves as a major corridor for tourism and trade.
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8. Interstate 94 (I-94)
Interstate 94 (I-94) stretches approximately 1,585 miles from Billings, Montana, to Port Huron, Michigan.
Route and Key Cities
I-94 traverses seven states, starting in Billings and passing through major cities such as Bismarck, Fargo, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago, before terminating in Port Huron.
Significance
I-94 is a vital east-west route in the northern United States, connecting the Great Plains with the Great Lakes. It provides access to major economic and cultural centers and parallels the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition for much of its path.
9. Interstate 35 (I-35)
Interstate 35 (I-35) spans approximately 1,568 miles from Laredo, Texas, to Duluth, Minnesota.
Route and Key Cities
I-35 passes through six states, beginning at the Mexican border in Laredo and passing through major cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kansas City, and Minneapolis, before ending in Duluth.
Significance
I-35 is a major north-south route, connecting the U.S.-Mexico border with the upper Midwest. It serves as a critical corridor for trade and travel, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the United States and Mexico.
10. Interstate 20 (I-20)
Interstate 20 (I-20) stretches approximately 1,539 miles from Kent, Texas, to Florence, South Carolina.
Route and Key Cities
I-20 passes through six states, beginning in Kent and passing through major cities such as Dallas, Shreveport, Jackson, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Augusta, before terminating in Florence.
Significance
I-20 is a vital east-west route in the southern United States, connecting Texas with the Atlantic Coast. It provides access to major economic and cultural centers and parallels historic routes such as the Dixie Overland Highway for much of its path.
Conclusion
The United States boasts an extensive network of interstates, with the longest routes connecting major cities and regions across the nation. Whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a long-distance move, these top 10 longest interstates provide vital corridors for travel and commerce. By considering factors such as route length, scenery, traffic, and amenities, you can select the best interstate for your journey and enjoy a safe and memorable trip.
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