What is Interstate 10's designation within the U.S. Interstate Highway System?

Interstate 10 (I-10) is the southernmost transcontinental highway in the United States Interstate Highway System.

How does Interstate 10 rank in terms of length among U.S. Interstates?

I-10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the country, measuring 2,460.34 miles (3,959.53 km).

When was Interstate 10 established as part of the Interstate Highway network, and when was its final section completed?

I-10 was part of the original Interstate Highway network planned in 1956, and its last section was completed in 1990.

What are the western and eastern termini of Interstate 10?

The western terminus of I-10 is at State Route 1 (SR 1) in Santa Monica, California, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Its eastern terminus is at Interstate 95 (I-95) in Jacksonville, Florida.

Which eight U.S. states does Interstate 10 traverse from west to east?

Interstate 10 travels through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Which major U.S. cities are connected by Interstate 10, listed from west to east?

I-10 connects major cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, Las Cruces, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Gulfport, Mobile, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.

Which state contains the longest segment of Interstate 10, and what percentage of the total route does it represent?

Texas contains the longest segment of Interstate 10, accounting for over one-third of its total length, approximately 36 percent.

What is the total length of Interstate 10 in miles and kilometers?

Interstate 10 spans a total of 2,460.34 miles (3,959.53 km).

How is Interstate 10 designated in California between Santa Monica and the East Los Angeles Interchange?

In California, the segment of I-10 between its western terminus in Santa Monica and the East Los Angeles Interchange is known as the Santa Monica Freeway.

What is the specific segment of the Santa Monica Freeway that is also named the Rosa Parks Freeway?

The Rosa Parks Freeway designation applies to the segment of the Santa Monica Freeway that begins at Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) and ends at Interstate 110/State Route 110 (Harbor Freeway).

What is the name of the 63-mile stretch of I-10 in California between the East Los Angeles Interchange and San Bernardino?

This stretch of I-10 is called the San Bernardino Freeway.

What was the name previously associated with a section of I-10 near its western terminus in Santa Monica, and when was it removed?

From 1976 to 2022, a sign near the western terminus in Santa Monica declared I-10 as the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway. The state legislature authorized its removal in 2022.

Besides the Santa Monica and San Bernardino Freeways, what other names are given to sections of I-10 in California?

Other names for sections of I-10 in California include the Veterans Memorial Highway, the Sonny Bono Memorial Freeway (in Palm Springs), and the Doctor June McCarroll Memorial Freeway (in Indio).

How is Interstate 10 designated in Arizona?

In Arizona, the highway is designated the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway.

What is the name of the portion of I-10 that runs through Phoenix, Arizona, and what is its significance?

The portion of I-10 through Phoenix is named the Papago Freeway and is a vital part of the metropolitan Phoenix freeway system.

What unique feature related to milemarkers is noted for I-10 near Buckeye, Arizona?

Near Buckeye, Arizona, westbound lanes of I-10 have milemarkers posted every 0.2 miles (0.32 km) with the Interstate shield and direction, while eastbound lanes from milemarker 110.8 to 112.2 do not include the shield and direction.

What is the CANAMEX Corridor, and how does I-10 relate to it in Arizona?

The CANAMEX Corridor is a federally designated route extending from Mexico City to Edmonton, Alberta. I-10 is part of this corridor between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

What is the highest elevation reached by Interstate 10, and where does this occur?

The highest elevation along I-10 occurs just east of Tucson, Arizona, about 20 miles west of Willcox, where the westbound lanes briefly cross above 5,000 feet (1,500 m) above sea level.

How did Interstate 10's route in New Mexico generally follow a previous highway?

In New Mexico, I-10 largely follows the former path of U.S. Route 80 (US 80) across the state, though it bypassed major portions of the old US 80 in the western New Mexico Bootheel and Doña Ana County.

Which three significant municipalities in southern New Mexico does I-10 pass through before reaching the junction with I-25?

I-10 passes through Lordsburg, Deming, and Las Cruces in New Mexico before its junction with I-25.

What concurrencies does I-10 have in New Mexico with U.S. Highways?

In New Mexico, I-10 is concurrent with US 70 between Lordsburg and Las Cruces, and with US 180 between Deming and El Paso, Texas. It also becomes concurrent with US 85 from the junction with I-25 south to the Texas state line.

What is the western terminus of Interstate 20 in relation to Interstate 10 in Texas?

Interstate 20 (I-20) has its western terminus at Interstate 10 (I-10) in Reeves County, Texas.

What are the names of the frontage roads along I-10 in El Paso, Texas, and what is notable about their usage?

In El Paso, Texas, the frontage roads are named South Desert (eastbound lanes) and North Desert (westbound lanes) near the New Mexico state line. East of downtown, they are Gateway East (eastbound) and Gateway West (westbound). The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) uses these frontage roads with Texas U-turns at most underpasses.

How is Interstate 10 known in the Houston, Texas area, and what is notable about its width?

In Houston, Texas, I-10 is commonly known as the Katy Freeway. This section is one of the widest freeways globally, featuring up to 18 lanes, including high-occupancy toll (HOT) and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

What was the original right-of-way used for the expansion of the Katy Freeway in Houston?

The right-of-way for the expansion of the Katy Freeway in Houston was the former path of the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

What is the official name of the stretch of I-10 east of Downtown Houston, and what is its local nickname?

East of Downtown Houston, I-10 is officially known as the East Freeway, but it is widely called the Baytown East Freeway by locals.

How is Interstate 10 designated in Beaumont, Texas, based on its direction of travel?

In Beaumont, Texas, I-10 is designated as I-10 south of Calder Avenue and I-10 north of Calder Avenue. It is known as I-10 east from the I-10 curve to the Neches River.

What is the significance of the route numbers in the Interstate Highway System, particularly for east-west routes?

East-west Interstate highways are assigned odd numbers, and north-south routes have even numbers. The numbering generally increases from north to south for east-west routes, making I-10 the southernmost transcontinental route.

What does the term transcontinental highway mean in the context of Interstate 10?

A transcontinental highway is a major roadway that crosses an entire continent or a significant portion of it. Interstate 10, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic coast, fits this description for the United States.

What is the purpose of auxiliary Interstate routes, such as I-110 or I-410?

Auxiliary Interstate routes, often designated with three-digit numbers, typically serve as spurs or loops connecting to a main Interstate highway. They can provide access to city centers, bypass congested areas, or create beltways around metropolitan areas.

What is the significance of the National Highway System designation for Interstate 10?

The designation of I-10 as part of the National Highway System (NHS) indicates that it is a crucial route for the nation's economy, defense, and mobility, connecting major transportation centers and serving national defense needs.

What does the term concurrency mean in the context of highways?

A concurrency occurs when two or more highway routes share the same physical roadway for a certain distance, indicated by overlapping signage. I-10 has several concurrencies with U.S. Highways and other Interstates along its route.

What is the purpose of a freeway designation for a highway like Interstate 10?

A freeway is a type of highway designed for high-speed, high-volume traffic with controlled access. This means it typically has grade-separated interchanges, limited entry and exit points, and multiple lanes to facilitate efficient travel.

What is the name of the elevated highway section of I-10 in Louisiana between Lafayette and Baton Rouge?

The 18-mile stretch of elevated highway in Louisiana between Lafayette and Baton Rouge is known as the Atchafalaya Swamp Freeway, crossing the Atchafalaya River and Basin Bridge.

How does I-10 cross the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

I-10 crosses the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, via the Horace Wilkinson Bridge.

What is the significance of the I-10/I-12 split in Louisiana regarding traffic flow?

I-12 serves as a bypass for I-10's route through New Orleans, connecting Baton Rouge to Slidell and remaining north of Lake Pontchartrain, thus avoiding the more congested urban area.

What is the name of the stretch of I-10 in New Orleans that passes through the Central Business District?

In New Orleans, the stretch of I-10 from the I-10/I-610 Junction to the US 90/US 90 Business junction is known as the Pontchartrain Expressway.

What environmental issue is associated with a dip in I-10 near the I-10/I-610 junction in New Orleans?

A dip in I-10 near the I-10/I-610 junction in New Orleans, designed to travel under a railroad track, is highly susceptible to flooding, with rainwater buildups of several meters being common during hurricanes.

What is the Stephen Ambrose Memorial Highway designation for I-10 in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, I-10 is known as the Stephen Ambrose Memorial Highway from near Slidell to the Mississippi state line, named after the historian and writer.

What are the functions of I-310, I-510, and I-610 in relation to I-10 in the New Orleans area?

In New Orleans, I-310 and I-510 were parts of a planned southern bypass (I-410) and serve suburban areas. I-610 is a shortcut that bypasses the central business district, avoiding I-10's detour, and I-910 is an unsigned route.

Which Mississippi counties does Interstate 10 traverse along the Gulf Coast?

In Mississippi, I-10 runs through Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties along the Gulf Coast.

What major Mississippi cities does I-10 pass near or through?

I-10 passes through the northern sections of Gulfport and Biloxi, and just north of Pascagoula and Bay St. Louis.

What NASA facility is located near Interstate 10 in Mississippi?

The NASA Stennis Space Center is located just south of Interstate 10 in Mississippi.

What is the name of the tunnel I-10 passes through in downtown Mobile, Alabama?

In downtown Mobile, Alabama, I-10 passes through the George Wallace Tunnel, which goes under the Mobile River.

What is the local nickname for the Jubilee Parkway, which carries I-10 over Mobile Bay?

The Jubilee Parkway, which carries I-10 over Mobile Bay, is locally known as the Bayway.

How does Interstate 10 serve the cities of Pensacola and Tallahassee in Florida?

In Florida, I-10 travels north of Pensacola and Tallahassee, serving the suburban areas of each city.

What spur route serves the downtown area of Pensacola, Florida, in relation to I-10?

A six-mile (9.7 km) spur route, signed as I-110, serves the downtown area of Pensacola, Florida, branching off from I-10.

What is the designation of Interstate 10 in Jacksonville, Florida, similar to its designation in Arizona?

In Jacksonville, Florida, I-10 is also designated as the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, mirroring its designation in Arizona.

What is the official end point of Interstate 10 in Jacksonville, Florida?

The route of I-10 officially ends at the interchange with I-95 northwest of Downtown Jacksonville.

What state road designation is often concurrent with I-10 in Florida?

Throughout much of Florida, I-10 is also designated as State Road 8 (SR 8), although it is not signed as such. The I-110 spur in Pensacola is known as SR 8A.

When was the last section of Interstate 10 completed, and where was it located?

The last section of the entire I-10 route to be completed was a portion of the Papago Freeway in Phoenix, Arizona, which opened in 1990.

Interstate 10 Wiki: The Southern Spine: Interstate 10

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Interstate 10: An Overview

The Southernmost Artery

Interstate 10 (I-10) stands as the southernmost transcontinental highway within the United States Interstate Highway System. Spanning approximately 2,460.34 miles (3,959.53 km), it ranks as the fourth-longest Interstate in the nation. Its designation as part of the original Interstate Highway network, planned in 1956, saw its final section completed in 1990.

Coast-to-Coast Connectivity

I-10 originates at the Pacific Ocean, connecting with California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Santa Monica, California. Its eastern terminus is located at Interstate 95 in Jacksonville, Florida. The highway serves as a critical corridor, linking major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola.

Geographic Significance

Traversing eight states, I-10 traverses diverse landscapes, from the coastal plains of California and Florida to the deserts of Arizona and the bayous of Louisiana. Notably, over one-third of its total length lies within Texas, reflecting the state's vast geographical expanse.

The Route Unveiled

State-by-State Lengths

The total length of Interstate 10 is distributed across eight states, with Texas accounting for the largest segment. The precise mileage varies slightly due to ongoing infrastructure adjustments and official measurements.

State	Miles	Kilometers
California	242.54	390.33
Arizona	392.33	631.39
New Mexico	164.27	264.37
Texas	881.00	1,417.83
Louisiana	274.42	441.64
Mississippi	77.19	124.23
Alabama	66.31	106.72
Florida	362.28	583.03
Total	2,460.34	3,959.53

Key Cities and Features

I-10 connects numerous significant cities and landmarks. In California, it traverses the Santa Monica and San Bernardino Freeways. Arizona designates it the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, with the Papago Freeway being a vital part of the Phoenix system. New Mexico sees it largely following the path of old US 80, while Texas features the expansive Katy Freeway in Houston, one of the widest in the world. Louisiana's segment includes the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and the Pontchartrain Expressway in New Orleans. Alabama features the George Wallace Tunnel and the Jubilee Parkway (Bayway) over Mobile Bay. Florida's portion includes spurs serving Pensacola and Tallahassee, with much of it passing through less populated areas.

Naming Conventions

Throughout its extensive route, various segments of I-10 are honored with special designations. These include the Rosa Parks Freeway in California, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway in Arizona and Florida, and the Sonny Bono Memorial Freeway in Palm Springs. These names reflect historical figures, significant events, or local tributes, adding layers of cultural and historical context to the highway's infrastructure.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Completion

Interstate 10 was established as part of the initial Interstate Highway System plan in 1956. While the highway has existed in various forms since 1957, the final segment, a portion of the Papago Freeway in Phoenix, Arizona, including the Deck Park Tunnel, was not completed until 1990. This marked the culmination of decades of planning, construction, and coordination across multiple states.

Modernization and Expansion

In recent decades, significant efforts have been made to upgrade and widen I-10 to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. Projects in Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Tucson have focused on expanding lanes, improving interchanges, and constructing new bridges to alleviate congestion. These modernization efforts underscore the highway's continued importance as a vital transportation link.

Speed Limits and Regulations

Speed limits along I-10 have evolved over time, reflecting regional differences and legislative changes. Texas, for instance, has seen its rural speed limits increase, with certain sections of I-10 allowing speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h). These regulations are subject to state-specific laws and are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient travel.

Key Interchanges

Western Terminus and Connections

I-10 begins its journey at the Pacific Ocean, connecting with California State Route 1 in Santa Monica. Moving eastward, it intersects with major north-south Interstates, including I-5 in Los Angeles, I-15 in Ontario, and I-17 in Phoenix, Arizona. These junctions are critical nodes for regional and cross-country travel.

Eastern Terminus and Connections

The eastern end of I-10 is in Jacksonville, Florida, where it meets Interstate 95. Along its path, it intersects with other significant Interstates such as I-10/I-410/I-35 in San Antonio, Texas; I-10/I-45 in Houston, Texas; I-10/I-12/I-59 in Slidell, Louisiana; I-10/I-65 in Mobile, Alabama; and I-10/I-75 in Lake City, Florida. These intersections highlight I-10's role as a central artery within the national highway network.

Major Concurrencies

Interstate 10 engages in several significant concurrencies with U.S. Routes and other Interstates. For example, it runs concurrently with US 95 in California and Arizona, US 70 and US 180 in New Mexico, US 90 across Texas and Louisiana, US 49 in Mississippi, and US 90 and US 98 in Alabama. These shared segments demonstrate complex route planning and integration.

Supporting Routes

California and Arizona Auxiliaries

In California, I-10 is supported by auxiliary routes like I-110, I-210, and I-710, which serve metropolitan Los Angeles and San Bernardino. Arizona features proposed or former auxiliary routes such as I-410 and I-510, alongside unbuilt segments like I-710.

Texas and Louisiana Auxiliaries

Texas utilizes I-110, I-410, and I-610 to serve El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston, respectively. Louisiana's network includes I-110, I-210, I-310, I-510, I-610, and I-910, providing crucial bypasses and connections around Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Auxiliaries

Mississippi's I-110 serves Biloxi, with a proposed I-310. Alabama has I-210 as an auxiliary route near Mobile. Florida utilizes I-110 to connect to Pensacola. These spurs enhance the accessibility and functionality of the main I-10 corridor.

Important Notes

Speed Limit Variations

Speed limits on Interstate 10 vary significantly by state and jurisdiction. For example, Texas has implemented higher speed limits on rural sections of I-10, reaching up to 80 mph (130 km/h) in certain areas. Travelers should always adhere to posted speed limits, which are enforced for safety and traffic management.

Environmental Considerations

The route of I-10 passes through diverse ecological zones, including deserts, wetlands, and coastal areas. The construction and maintenance of such a vast highway system necessitate careful consideration of environmental impacts, particularly in sensitive regions like the Louisiana bayous and the arid landscapes of the Southwest.

Related Resources

Further information on Interstate 10 can be found on Wikimedia Commons, which hosts related media, and Wikivoyage, offering travel guides. Geographic data is available via OpenStreetMap, providing detailed mapping information for the entire route.

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Interstate 10. Detailed citations are provided below for verification and further academic exploration.

Starks, Edward (January 27, 2022). "Table 1: Main Routes of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways". FHWA Route Log and Finder List. Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
Spectrum News 1. (September 1, 2022). "Christopher Columbus' name to be removed from stretch of I-10 in LA". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
Texas Department of Transportation. "Schematic Layout: IH 10 Katy Frwy, IH 10 at Bunker Hill Road" (PDF). Texas Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014.
Google Maps. "Interstate 10". Retrieved January 28, 2013.
AA Roads. (February 3, 2005). "Interstate 10 East (Jacksonville–Duval County)". Archived from the original on June 30, 2006. Retrieved November 21, 2006.
Florida Department of Transportation. (October 19, 2006). "District Three Construction". Archived from the original on June 5, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2006.
Florida Department of Transportation, Escambia County. "Project Descriptions". Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2006.
Moving I-10 Forward. (n.d.). "I-10: Project Description". Florida Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2006.
i10tucsondistrict.com. "construction.html". Archived from the original on October 5, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2010.
Fox News. (n.d.). "Texas Raises Rural Speed Limits to 80 MPH". Archived from the original on May 22, 2010. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
WSFA-TV. (January 25, 2008). "Dothan to I-10 Connection". Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
WJHG-TV. (September 4, 2012). "I-10 Connector Funds Released to Other Projects". Archived from the original on February 27, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
Dothan Eagle. (March 12, 2014). "I-10 Connector Back on the Table". Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
Rand McNally. (2014). The Road Atlas (Walmart ed.). Chicago: Rand McNally. pp. 5, 9, 15, 26–27, 44, 56, 68, 99–101. ISBN 978-0-528-00771-2.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Interstate 10 Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional engineering, historical, or geographical consultation. Always refer to official transportation authority documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific project needs or detailed route analysis.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Southern Spine

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Interstate 10: An Overview ℹ️

🛣️ The Southernmost Artery

📍 Coast-to-Coast Connectivity

🗺️ Geographic Significance

The Route Unveiled 🗺️

📏 State-by-State Lengths

🚗 Key Cities and Features

🏷️ Naming Conventions

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Genesis and Completion

🏗️ Modernization and Expansion

⚖️ Speed Limits and Regulations

Key Interchanges 🔗

↔️ Western Terminus and Connections

↔️ Eastern Terminus and Connections

📍 Major Concurrencies

Supporting Routes ➕

➡️ California and Arizona Auxiliaries

➡️ Texas and Louisiana Auxiliaries

➡️ Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Auxiliaries

Important Notes 📝

💡 Speed Limit Variations

⚠️ Environmental Considerations

🔗 Related Resources

References 📚

📄 Source Citations

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Interstate 10: An Overview

The Southernmost Artery

Coast-to-Coast Connectivity

Geographic Significance

The Route Unveiled

State-by-State Lengths

Key Cities and Features

Naming Conventions

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Completion

Modernization and Expansion

Speed Limits and Regulations

Key Interchanges

Western Terminus and Connections

Eastern Terminus and Connections

Major Concurrencies

Supporting Routes

California and Arizona Auxiliaries

Texas and Louisiana Auxiliaries

Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Auxiliaries

Important Notes

Speed Limit Variations

Environmental Considerations

Related Resources

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice