Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Interstate 80 in California Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Interstate 80 in California: History, Engineering, and Regional Impact

Cheat Sheet:
Interstate 80 in California: History, Engineering, and Regional Impact Study Guide

I-80 Overview and General Characteristics

Interstate 80 is a transcontinental highway that commences in San Francisco, California, and concludes in Teaneck, New Jersey, traversing the entire United States from west to east.

Answer: True

Explanation: Interstate 80 is a transcontinental route, beginning in San Francisco, California, and ending in Teaneck, New Jersey, thereby crossing the entire United States.

Return to Game

Portions of Interstate 80 in California are officially designated as the Eastshore Freeway and the Alan S. Hart Freeway.

Answer: True

Explanation: Specific segments of Interstate 80 in California are indeed officially known as the Eastshore Freeway and the Alan S. Hart Freeway.

Return to Game

Interstate 80 in California is legally defined in section 380 of the California Streets and Highways Code as 'Route 80'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Section 380 of the California Streets and Highways Code formally defines Interstate 80 within the state as 'Route 80'.

Return to Game

Interstate 80 is designated as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway in the Western United States and a Blue Star Memorial Highway for its entire length.

Answer: True

Explanation: Interstate 80 holds the honorary designations of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway in the Western United States and a Blue Star Memorial Highway along its full extent.

Return to Game

Interstate 80 is entirely part of both the National Highway System and the California Freeway and Expressway System.

Answer: True

Explanation: Interstate 80 is indeed fully integrated into both the National Highway System and the California Freeway and Expressway System.

Return to Game

Which two states mark the origin and conclusion of Interstate 80 across the United States?

Answer: California and New Jersey

Explanation: Interstate 80 spans the United States from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey.

Return to Game

Which of the following is an official designation for a portion of Interstate 80 in California?

Answer: The Eastshore Freeway

Explanation: Portions of Interstate 80 in California are officially designated as the Eastshore Freeway and the Alan S. Hart Freeway.

Return to Game

Which former U.S. President is honored by the designation of Interstate 80 as the 'Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway' in the Western United States?

Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Explanation: Interstate 80 is designated as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway in the Western United States, honoring the former president who championed the Interstate Highway System.

Return to Game

Which of the following counties does Interstate 80 NOT traverse in California?

Answer: Los Angeles

Explanation: Interstate 80 traverses San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, and Sierra counties, but not Los Angeles County.

Return to Game

Historical Development and Predecessor Routes

Within California, Interstate 80 primarily follows the historic U.S. Route 66 corridor, which it eventually replaced.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interstate 80 in California was constructed along the corridor of U.S. Route 40, not U.S. Route 66, and also incorporated parts of the Lincoln Highway and California Trail.

Return to Game

Between Sacramento and Reno, Interstate 80 largely follows the original corridor of the California Trail with only minor deviations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between Sacramento and Reno, Interstate 80 largely follows the original corridor of the Lincoln Highway, not primarily the California Trail, with minor deviations.

Return to Game

U.S. Route 40 was officially decommissioned in California by January 1, 1965, as part of a state highway renumbering.

Answer: False

Explanation: U.S. Route 40 was officially decommissioned in California by July 1, 1964, not January 1, 1965.

Return to Game

Before the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened, the western end of U.S. Route 40 was in San Francisco, connected to Oakland by an auto ferry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before the Bay Bridge opened, the western end of U.S. Route 40 was in Oakland, with an auto ferry connecting Berkeley to San Francisco, not with US 40 itself terminating in San Francisco.

Return to Game

The construction of Interstate 80 significantly improved road safety, reducing accident rates by 73 percent in Vallejo compared to the old U.S. Route 40 corridor.

Answer: True

Explanation: The construction of Interstate 80 did significantly improve road safety, leading to a 73 percent reduction in accident rates in Vallejo compared to the former U.S. Route 40 corridor.

Return to Game

The primary reason for the truncation of U.S. Route 40 in California was the completion of Interstate 80, making US 40 redundant.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary reason for the truncation and deletion of U.S. Route 40 in California was Caltrans' objective to reduce the number of designated routes, as I-80's completion rendered US 40 redundant.

Return to Game

What historic routes did Interstate 80 primarily replace or follow in California?

Answer: U.S. Route 40 and the Lincoln Highway

Explanation: Interstate 80 in California was constructed along the corridor of U.S. Route 40 and largely follows the original corridor of the Lincoln Highway.

Return to Game

When was U.S. Route 40 officially decommissioned in California?

Answer: July 1, 1964

Explanation: U.S. Route 40 was officially decommissioned in California by July 1, 1964.

Return to Game

What happened to the auto ferry service connecting Berkeley to San Francisco after the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened in 1936?

Answer: It was discontinued.

Explanation: After the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened in 1936, the auto ferry service connecting Berkeley to San Francisco was discontinued.

Return to Game

Which of the following accurately describes the historical path of US 40 in Sacramento?

Answer: It ran concurrently with US 50 and then followed what is now I-80 Business.

Explanation: Historically, US 40 rejoined US 50 in Sacramento, with US 50 running concurrently with former US 99, and US 40 then split again in Downtown Sacramento, following what is now I-80 Business.

Return to Game

What was the primary reason for the truncation and eventual deletion of U.S. Route 40 in California in 1964?

Answer: Caltrans desired to reduce the number of designated routes due to I-80's completion.

Explanation: The primary reason for the truncation and deletion of U.S. Route 40 in California was Caltrans' objective to reduce the number of designated routes, as I-80's completion rendered US 40 redundant.

Return to Game

San Francisco Bay Area: Routing and Infrastructure

The original plans for Interstate 80 in San Francisco were significantly altered due to public opposition known as 'freeway revolts'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Public protests, termed 'freeway revolts,' led to the cancellation of several segments of the initial Interstate 80 alignment planned for San Francisco.

Return to Game

Federal records from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) place the western terminus of I-80 at the interchange with US 101 in San Francisco.

Answer: False

Explanation: Federal records from the FHWA place the western terminus of I-80 at the western approach to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, while state records and local signs indicate the interchange with US 101.

Return to Game

The Eastshore Freeway was developed in the early 1940s as a direct approach to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eastshore Freeway was developed in the mid-1950s by reengineering the Eastshore Highway (built 1934-1937) as an approach to the Bay Bridge, not the Golden Gate Bridge.

Return to Game

A 'wrong-way concurrency' on the Eastshore Freeway refers to a section where northbound I-80 is signed as I-80 East and I-580 West, while southbound is I-80 West and I-580 East.

Answer: True

Explanation: The description accurately defines the 'wrong-way concurrency' on the Eastshore Freeway between the MacArthur Maze and the Hoffman Split.

Return to Game

The construction of the Eastshore Highway in the 1930s led to the creation of an artificial lagoon in Oakland, which became Aquatic Park.

Answer: False

Explanation: The construction of the Eastshore Highway in the 1930s involved filling mudflats, which led to the creation of an artificial lagoon in Berkeley, not Oakland, that became Aquatic Park.

Return to Game

The initial plan for I-80 in San Francisco involved the Panhandle Freeway and Central Freeway, but it was not fully realized due to community opposition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial plan for I-80 in San Francisco, which included the Panhandle Freeway and Central Freeway, was indeed not fully realized due to community opposition and 'freeway revolts'.

Return to Game

A 2000 *San Francisco Chronicle* article proposed new freeway tunnels, including a five-mile 19th Avenue tunnel, which aligned with the city's general plan for new highway capacity.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 2000 *San Francisco Chronicle* article did propose new freeway tunnels, but these proposals conflicted with the city's general plan, which was against new highway capacity.

Return to Game

What factor led to the cancellation of several segments of the originally planned Interstate 80 alignment in San Francisco?

Answer: Public protests known as 'freeway revolts'

Explanation: Public protests, known as 'freeway revolts,' led to the cancellation of several segments of the initial Interstate 80 alignment planned for San Francisco.

Return to Game

According to the California Streets and Highways Code, where is the western terminus of I-80 located in San Francisco?

Answer: At the interchange with US 101

Explanation: The California Streets and Highways Code, along with most local maps and signs, designates the western terminus of I-80 at its interchange with US 101 in San Francisco.

Return to Game

What is the 'Eastshore Freeway' a segment of?

Answer: Interstate 80 and Interstate 580

Explanation: The Eastshore Freeway is a specific segment of Interstate 80 and Interstate 580.

Return to Game

Central Valley and Sacramento: Route Evolution

The typical speed limit along Interstate 80 in California is 70 mph, consistent with the state's maximum rural freeway limit.

Answer: False

Explanation: The speed limit on Interstate 80 in California is generally at most 65 mph, lower than the state's 70 mph maximum, due to its passage through urban areas or challenging mountainous terrain.

Return to Game

Interstate 80 was rerouted around Sacramento because the original route through the city was deemed too narrow for modern Interstate Highway standards.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interstate 80 was rerouted around Sacramento after plans to upgrade the original route through the city to modern Interstate standards were canceled, not solely due to narrowness.

Return to Game

Interstate 80 in the Central Valley has carpool lanes in Fairfield on a six- to eight-lane freeway segment.

Answer: True

Explanation: Interstate 80 in the Central Valley does feature carpool lanes in Fairfield on a six- to eight-lane freeway segment between specific exits.

Return to Game

The current I-80 route in Sacramento utilizes a southern bypass of the city, originally designated as I-880.

Answer: False

Explanation: The current I-80 route in Sacramento utilizes a northern bypass, known as the Beltline Freeway, which was originally designated as I-880.

Return to Game

The proposed I-80 alignment south of the American River in Sacramento was completed and opened to traffic in 1980.

Answer: False

Explanation: The proposed I-80 alignment south of the American River in Sacramento was ultimately deleted from the Interstate System in 1980 and was not opened to traffic, with the city council abandoning it for rail transit.

Return to Game

What is the general maximum speed limit on Interstate 80 in California, and what factors contribute to it often being lower than the state's typical rural limit?

Answer: 65 mph due to urban areas or challenging mountainous terrain

Explanation: The speed limit on Interstate 80 in California is generally at most 65 mph, lower than the state's 70 mph maximum, due to its passage through urban areas or challenging mountainous terrain.

Return to Game

What type of lanes are present on I-80 in Fairfield, Central Valley, between exit 39A and exit 47?

Answer: Carpool lanes (HOV lanes)

Explanation: Interstate 80 in the Central Valley features carpool lanes (HOV lanes) in Fairfield between exit 39A and exit 47.

Return to Game

What is the current designation for the northern bypass of Sacramento that now carries I-80?

Answer: The Beltline Freeway

Explanation: The northern bypass of Sacramento that now carries I-80 is known as the Beltline Freeway, which was originally designated as I-880.

Return to Game

What was the original designation for the northern bypass freeway in Sacramento before I-80 was rerouted onto it?

Answer: Interstate 880

Explanation: The northern bypass freeway in Sacramento, onto which I-80 was later rerouted, was originally designated as Interstate 880.

Return to Game

Sierra Nevada Crossing: Engineering and Challenges

During winter, Caltrans often mandates snow tires or chains on I-80 when crossing the Sierra Nevada, with 4WD vehicles equipped with snow tires typically exempt from chain restrictions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Caltrans frequently mandates snow tires or chains on I-80 in the Sierra Nevada during winter, and 4WD vehicles with snow tires are generally exempt from chain restrictions.

Return to Game

Interstate 80 crosses the Sierra Nevada crest at Donner Pass, at an elevation of 7,239 feet for both eastbound and westbound traffic.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interstate 80 crosses the Sierra Nevada crest at Donner Summit (Euer Saddle), where the elevation is 7,239 feet for westbound traffic and 7,227 feet for eastbound traffic, not 7,239 feet for both.

Return to Game

Euer Saddle was chosen for the I-80 alignment over Donner Pass due to its more gradual approaches, suitable for Interstate Highway standards.

Answer: True

Explanation: Euer Saddle was indeed selected for the I-80 alignment over Donner Pass because its more gradual approaches were better suited for meeting Interstate Highway standards.

Return to Game

A segment of the old U.S. Route 40 near Donner Lake remains accessible as an alternate route to I-80, passing directly by the lake.

Answer: True

Explanation: A segment of the old U.S. Route 40 near Donner Lake is indeed still accessible as an alternate route to I-80, providing a path directly by the lake.

Return to Game

Before I-80, crossing the Sierra Nevada was easier via U.S. Route 40, which was a multi-lane highway rarely closed in winter.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before I-80, crossing the Sierra Nevada via U.S. Route 40 was significantly more difficult, as it was a two-lane, winding highway frequently closed in winter.

Return to Game

What is required for trucks on Interstate 80 when crossing the Sierra Nevada during the winter season, even if chain controls are not actively in force?

Answer: They must carry chains.

Explanation: During the winter season, all trucks are required to carry chains when crossing the Sierra Nevada on I-80, even if chain controls are not actively in force.

Return to Game

At what elevation does Interstate 80 cross the Sierra Nevada crest for westbound traffic?

Answer: 7,239 feet (2,206 meters)

Explanation: Interstate 80 crosses the Sierra Nevada crest at Donner Summit (Euer Saddle) at an elevation of 7,239 feet (2,206 meters) for westbound traffic.

Return to Game

What was the primary reason for selecting Euer Saddle for the Interstate 80 alignment instead of the older Donner Pass route?

Answer: It offered more gradual approaches suitable for Interstate standards.

Explanation: Euer Saddle was chosen for the Interstate 80 alignment over Donner Pass because its more gradual approaches were crucial for meeting Interstate Highway standards, which prohibit sharp curves.

Return to Game

Auxiliary Interstate Highways and Regional Connectivity

What happened to the I-880 designation in Sacramento after I-80 was rerouted onto the Beltline Freeway in 1983?

Answer: It was reassigned to State Route 17 from Oakland to San Jose.

Explanation: After I-80 was rerouted onto the Beltline Freeway in 1983, the I-880 designation was reassigned to State Route 17 from Oakland to San Jose.

Return to Game

Which auxiliary Interstate Highway connects I-280 to US 101 near San Francisco International Airport?

Answer: I-380

Explanation: I-380 is an auxiliary Interstate Highway that connects I-280 to US 101 near San Francisco International Airport.

Return to Game

Why is Interstate 238 considered an unusual auxiliary Interstate Highway?

Answer: It does not adhere to standard numbering rules as there is no primary Interstate 38.

Explanation: Interstate 238 is considered unusual because it does not follow standard numbering rules, as there is no primary Interstate 38.

Return to Game

Which former auxiliary Interstate Highway was a planned route in San Francisco that was largely unbuilt due to freeway revolts and had its Embarcadero Freeway section demolished after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake?

Answer: I-480

Explanation: I-480 was a planned route in San Francisco, largely unbuilt due to freeway revolts, and its Embarcadero Freeway section was demolished after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Return to Game

Major Structures and Seismic Resilience

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused a 76-by-50-foot section of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge's upper deck to collapse onto the lower deck.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake indeed caused a 76-by-50-foot section of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge's upper deck to collapse onto the lower deck.

Return to Game

The new eastern span of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened in 2002 at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The new eastern span of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened on September 2, 2013, not in 2002, at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion.

Return to Game

What was a significant impact of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge?

Answer: A section of the upper deck collapsed onto the lower deck.

Explanation: The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused a section of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge's upper deck to collapse onto the lower deck.

Return to Game

When did the new eastern span of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge open?

Answer: September 2, 2013

Explanation: The new eastern span of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened on September 2, 2013.

Return to Game

Which significant structure is located on Yerba Buena Island along Interstate 80?

Answer: The Yerba Buena Tunnel

Explanation: The Yerba Buena Tunnel is a significant structure located on Yerba Buena Island along Interstate 80.

Return to Game

What specific restriction applies to vehicles on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge as part of I-80?

Answer: Flammable tank vehicles and explosives are prohibited.

Explanation: Flammable tank vehicles and explosives are specifically prohibited from using the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.

Return to Game

Modernization and Future Traffic Management

What type of tolling system will the new high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on I-80 utilize?

Answer: Open road tolling with FasTrak transponders

Explanation: The new high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on Interstate 80 will utilize an open road tolling system, requiring FasTrak transponders for electronic toll collection.

Return to Game