What is Interstate 76 (I-76) and where does it primarily run?

Interstate 76 (I-76) is an east-west Interstate Highway located in the Western United States. It extends from Arvada, Colorado, near Denver, to an interchange with I-80 near Big Springs, Nebraska. The highway primarily traverses Colorado, with a small portion extending into Nebraska.

What is the total length of Interstate 76?

Interstate 76 measures a total of 187.29 miles (301.41 kilometers) in length. This total is divided between Colorado, which accounts for approximately 184.14 miles, and Nebraska, which has about 3.15 miles of the route.

Is this Interstate 76 the same one that runs through the eastern United States?

No, this Interstate 76, which runs between Colorado and Nebraska, is distinct from the other I-76 that spans from Ohio to New Jersey. The article explicitly notes that this route is not connected to the eastern I-76.

What other U.S. Routes run concurrently with I-76?

Along its route, Interstate 76 runs concurrently with several U.S. Routes. These include US 6 and US 85 in the Denver metropolitan area, and US 34 from Wiggins to Fort Morgan in Colorado.

Does Interstate 76 have any auxiliary routes?

According to the provided information, Interstate 76 does not have any auxiliary Interstates. However, it does feature two business routes located in northeastern Colorado.

What is the significance of the designation 'Heartland Expressway' in relation to I-76?

The section of I-76 from its western terminus at I-70 to the SH 71 interchange near Brush, Colorado, is designated as part of the Heartland Expressway. This expressway is envisioned as a series of multi-lane highways connecting Denver, Colorado, with Rapid City, South Dakota.

Where does Interstate 76 begin its route in Colorado?

Interstate 76 begins its route in Colorado at an interchange with Interstate 70 in Arvada, which is located near Denver.

What major highways does I-76 intersect shortly after its western terminus in Arvada?

Shortly after its western terminus at I-70, I-76 heads east and intersects with State Highway 95 (Sheridan Boulevard). It then proceeds northeast to an interchange with Interstate 25, and further east, it meets Interstate 270 in North Washington, Colorado.

What rivers does I-76 cross or run parallel to in Colorado?

In Colorado, I-76 runs roughly parallel to Clear Creek for a portion of its route. It also crosses the South Platte River and runs near it for significant stretches, particularly in the eastern part of the state.

Which U.S. Routes are concurrent with I-76 near Brighton, Colorado?

Near Brighton, Colorado, I-76 becomes concurrent with US 85 and US 6. US 85 later diverges from I-76 after 96th Avenue.

What major toll road does I-76 intersect east of the Denver metropolitan area?

East of the Denver metropolitan area, I-76 intersects with E-470, a toll road.

Which state highway does I-76 meet in Hudson, Colorado?

In Hudson, Colorado, Interstate 76 meets State Highway 52 (SH 52).

What U.S. Route does I-76 join near Wiggins, Colorado?

Near Wiggins, Colorado, Interstate 76 joins U.S. Route 34 (US 34).

Where does I-76 have a business loop that serves Keenesburg, Colorado?

Interstate 76 has a business loop that serves Keenesburg, Colorado, identified as I-76 Business (I-76 Bus). This business loop connects I-76 to the town of Keenesburg.

What state highway does I-76 intersect near Brush, Colorado?

Near Brush, Colorado, Interstate 76 intersects with State Highway 71 (SH 71).

What U.S. Route does I-76 Bus carry towards Hillrose, Colorado?

The business loop of I-76 (I-76 Bus) carries U.S. Route 6 (US 6) towards Hillrose, Colorado.

Which county in Colorado does I-76 traverse after leaving Morgan County?

After traversing Morgan County, I-76 enters Washington County, Colorado.

What state highway does I-76 cross in Logan County, Colorado, that serves Atwood?

In Logan County, Colorado, I-76 crosses State Highway 63 (SH 63), which serves the town of Atwood.

What U.S. Route runs parallel to I-76 northwest of the South Platte River in Colorado?

Northwest of the South Platte River in Colorado, U.S. Route 138 (US 138) runs parallel to I-76 and serves several towns that are bypassed by the Interstate.

What state highway does I-76 have an exit for that serves Crook, Colorado?

I-76 has an exit at State Highway 55 (SH 55), which serves the town of Crook, Colorado.

Which state highway does I-76 cross in Sedgwick County, Colorado, that heads towards Sedgwick?

In Sedgwick County, Colorado, I-76 crosses State Highway 59 (SH 59), which heads towards the town of Sedgwick.

What U.S. Route does I-76 intersect near Julesburg, Colorado, before entering Nebraska?

Before entering Nebraska, I-76 has an exit at U.S. Route 385 (US 385), which leads northwest to Julesburg, Colorado.

How long is the section of I-76 within Nebraska?

The section of Interstate 76 within Nebraska is just over three miles long, approximately 3.15 miles (5.07 km).

How is I-76 signed in Nebraska compared to Colorado?

In Nebraska, I-76 is signed as a north-south route, which is a different directional designation compared to its east-west orientation in Colorado.

What is the only interchange for I-76 in Nebraska?

The only interchange for Interstate 76 in Nebraska is with Interstate 80. This interchange is now numbered as exit 3 based on I-76's mileage, though it was formerly numbered exit 102 based on I-80's mileage.

What was the previous designation for Interstate 76 in Colorado and Nebraska before 1974?

Before 1974, the segment of Interstate 76 in Colorado and Nebraska, along with a portion of the current I-76 in the eastern U.S., was designated as Interstate 80S (I-80S).

What is the historical significance of the number 76 for this Interstate Highway?

The number 76 for this Interstate Highway has a dual significance: it references the upcoming United States Bicentennial and also commemorates the year 1876, which was when Colorado was admitted as a state.

What change did Nebraska have to make due to the renumbering of I-80S to I-76?

As a result of the renumbering, Nebraska had to renumber its existing Nebraska Highway 76 (N-76) to Nebraska Highway 53 (N-53).

When was Interstate 76 conceived, and when was its western extension completed?

Interstate 76 was conceived in August 1958. The Colorado portion was planned and built first, with the western extension to I-70 being constructed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and fully completed by November 2002.

What was the original western terminus of I-76 before its extension?

The original western terminus of Interstate 76 was planned to be at Interstate 25 (I-25).

What was the approximate total cost of completing the western extension of I-76 to I-70?

The total cost for the completion of the western extension of I-76 to I-70 was approximately $45.5 million.

What is the significance of the mileage markers for I-76 in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the mileage markers for I-76 are based on its own mileage, with the interchange with I-80 being exit 3. This is a change from the previous numbering system where exit 102 was based on I-80's mileage.

What is the length of the I-76 Business route in Keenesburg, Colorado?

The Interstate 76 Business (I-76 Bus) route in Keenesburg, Colorado, is approximately 0.47 miles (760 meters) long.

What is the length of the I-76 Business route serving Fort Morgan and Sterling, Colorado?

The Interstate 76 Business (I-76 Bus) route that serves Fort Morgan and Sterling, Colorado, is the longest continuously signed Interstate business loop in the system, measuring 52.31 miles (84.18 km).

Where does the I-76 Business route in Keenesburg begin and end?

The I-76 Business route in Keenesburg begins at the I-76 frontage road (County Road 398) within the town limits and heads north as Market Street, terminating north of I-76 exit 39.

What highways does the I-76 Business route in Fort Morgan-Sterling overlap with?

The I-76 Business route in Fort Morgan-Sterling overlaps with US 34 and SH 52 initially. Later, it overlaps with SH 71, and then with US 6 before terminating.

What is the significance of the 'Concurrency terminus' notes in the exit list?

The 'Concurrency terminus' notes in the exit list indicate where a U.S. Route or State Highway begins or ends its overlap with Interstate 76, marking the point where these routes either join or separate from the main Interstate.

What does the 'Incomplete access' note signify in the exit list?

An 'Incomplete access' note in the exit list signifies that the specific exit provides only partial access, meaning either only eastbound or westbound traffic can enter or exit the Interstate at that point.

What is the westernmost exit on I-76 in Colorado?

The westernmost exit on I-76 in Colorado is at its interchange with Interstate 70 in Arvada, designated as exit 269B on I-70. This exit provides access to I-70 west but not to I-70 east.

What is the easternmost exit on I-76 in Nebraska?

The easternmost exit on I-76 in Nebraska is at its interchange with Interstate 80, designated as exit 3 on I-76, which connects to I-80 east towards Omaha.

Which Colorado county is I-76 entirely contained within, besides Adams and Weld counties?

Besides Adams and Weld counties, I-76 also passes through Jefferson, Morgan, Washington, Logan, and Sedgwick counties in Colorado.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to external databases, such as the Library of Congress and Structurae, which contain further information and cataloging details about Interstate 76, aiding in research and verification.

What does the Wikimedia Commons link at the end of the article provide?

The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to various media files, such as images and diagrams, related specifically to Interstate 76 in Colorado and Nebraska, offering visual context for the highway.

What is the significance of the yellow shield marker mentioned for I-75 and I-80 in the Navbox?

The yellow shield marker (indicated by padding:2px) for I-75 and I-80 in the Navbox signifies that these are considered 'Major Interstates' within the context of the Interstate Highway System.

What does the note 'Routes in italics are no longer a part of the system' mentioned in the Navbox imply?

The note 'Routes in italics are no longer a part of the system' in the Navbox indicates that certain Interstate highways listed in italics are historical routes that have been decommissioned or significantly altered and are not currently part of the active Interstate Highway System.

What is the role of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) regarding I-76?

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for the inventory and maintenance of state highways, including the unsigned business spur of I-76 in Keenesburg, Colorado.

What is the purpose of the 'Old exit' and 'New exit' columns in the exit list?

The 'Old exit' column in the exit list refers to the previous numbering system for exits, often based on the mileage of a connecting major highway like I-80. The 'New exit' column reflects the current numbering system, based on the mileage of I-76 itself, indicating a renumbering effort.

What is the significance of the 'Electronic toll collection only' note for exit 18?

The 'Electronic toll collection only' note for exit 18 indicates that this particular exit on I-76, which connects to E-470, requires electronic toll payment and may not have traditional toll booths.

Interstate 76 Colorado U2013nebraska Wiki: The Plains Connector: Interstate 76's Transcontinental Path

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Route Description

Overview

Interstate 76 (I-76) is an east-west Interstate Highway spanning approximately 187.29 miles (301.41 km) across the Western United States. It originates at an interchange with I-70 in Arvada, Colorado, near Denver, and terminates at an intersection with I-80 near Big Springs, Nebraska. The majority of its length lies within Colorado, with a brief segment extending into Nebraska.

Key Concurrencies

Throughout its course, I-76 runs concurrently with several significant U.S. Routes, enhancing its connectivity:

US 6 & US 85: Concurrent in the Denver metropolitan area.
US 34: Concurrent from Wiggins to Fort Morgan, Colorado.

The highway is also integrated into the planned Heartland Expressway, a major initiative to upgrade highway infrastructure connecting Denver with Rapid City, South Dakota.

Length Breakdown

The total length of Interstate 76 is distributed as follows:

State	Miles	Kilometers
Colorado	184.14	296.34
Nebraska	3.15	5.07
Total	187.29	301.41

Historical Context

Renumbering and Origins

Prior to 1974, both the Colorado-Nebraska segment and the eastern I-76 corridor (Ohio to New Jersey) were designated as Interstate 80S (I-80S). This designation was intended to differentiate it from the primary I-80. In July 1974, following American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) policy to eliminate letter suffixes and avoid confusion, the route was renumbered to I-76.

The choice of "76" was symbolic, referencing the upcoming United States Bicentennial and the year 1876, Colorado's statehood year.

Development and Construction

Conceived in August 1958, the Colorado portion was planned and constructed incrementally. Nebraska's segment, a three-mile connection to I-80, was opened in December 1969, in collaboration with Colorado's Department of Highways. The western terminus was initially planned at I-25, but was later extended to its current terminus at I-70 in Arvada, Colorado, with construction concluding in November 2002 at a cost of approximately $45.5 million.

The route's development involved significant engineering, including the construction of numerous bridges and interchanges to meet Interstate standards and integrate with existing transportation networks.

Major Junctions and Exits

Interstate 76 features numerous interchanges connecting it to state highways, U.S. Routes, and other Interstates. The following table details the key exits along its path.

Colorado Exits

The Colorado segment begins at I-70 in Arvada and proceeds northeast, intersecting major routes like US 287, I-25, I-270, US 6, US 85, and E-470 before heading east through northeastern Colorado, passing cities like Brighton, Hudson, Fort Morgan, Brush, Sterling, and Julesburg.

Notable exits include connections to SH 95, US 287, I-25, I-270, US 6/US 85, E-470, SH 7, SH 52, SH 144, SH 71, US 34, SH 55, SH 59, US 385, and various county roads.

Colorado Exit List (Selected Major Junctions)
Location	Exit No.	Destinations	Notes
Arvada	1A	I-70 West	Western Terminus
Arvada	1B	SH 95 (Sheridan Blvd)
North Washington	5	I-25 North/South	Access to Denver Int'l Airport
North Washington	6	I-270 West / US 36 West	To I-70 East
Brighton	9	US 6 West / US 85 South	Overlap Begins
Brighton	18	E-470 South	Toll Road
Wiggins	64	US 6 East	Overlap Ends
Fort Morgan	75	I-76 Business / US 34 East	Overlap Begins
Brush	92	I-76 Business / US 6 / US 34 / SH 71 South	Multiple overlaps begin/end
Sterling	125	US 6 East / US 138 East / SH 14 West
Julesburg	180	US 385 North

Nebraska Segment

The highway enters Nebraska in Deuel County, extending just over three miles. It runs parallel to the South Platte River and US 138. Its sole interchange in Nebraska is with I-80, serving as the eastern terminus of I-76.

Notably, the Nebraska segment is signed with north-south directional markers, contrasting with Colorado's east-west designation.

Nebraska Exit List
Location	Exit No.	Destinations	Notes
Deuel County	3	I-80 West	Eastern Terminus; old exit 102
Deuel County		I-80 East	Eastern Terminus; old exit 102

Business Routes

Keenesburg Spur

An unsigned business spur connects the town of Keenesburg, Colorado, to I-76. This short route, approximately 0.5 miles (0.80 km) in length, begins at the I-76 frontage road and heads north as Market Street, terminating just north of I-76 exit 39.

I-76 Business (Keenesburg)
Miles	Km	Destinations	Notes
0.47	0.76	County Road 398	Southern Terminus; former US 6 / SH 2
0.18	0.29	I-76 / US 6	I-76 Exit 39
0.00	0.00	Road 18	Northern Terminus

Fort Morgan–Sterling Loop

The longest continuously signed Interstate business loop in the system, this route spans approximately 52.31 miles (84.18 km). It serves Fort Morgan and extends towards Sterling, Colorado, overlapping US 34, SH 52, SH 71, and US 6 at various points. It begins at I-76 exit 75 west of Fort Morgan and terminates at I-76 exit 125 east of Sterling.

I-76 Business (Fort Morgan–Sterling)
Miles	Km	Destinations	Notes
0.00	0.00	I-76 / US 6 / US 34	Western Terminus; I-76 Exit 75
4.40	7.10	SH 52 East	Eastern end of SH 52 concurrency
14.50	23.30	SH 71 North	Western end of SH 71 concurrency
17.31	27.86	US 34 East	Eastern end of US 34 concurrency
50.02	80.50	US 138 East / SH 14 West	Western terminus of US 138 / SH 14
52.31	84.18	US 6 East / I-76	Eastern Terminus; I-76 Exit 125

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Interstate 76 (Colorado–Nebraska) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data extracted from Wikipedia and may not reflect the most current information or all nuances of the subject matter. Information regarding infrastructure, such as highway details, can change frequently due to construction, renumbering, or policy updates.

This is not professional transportation or engineering advice. Users should consult official state Department of Transportation resources and current mapping services for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Interstate 76 and its associated routes. Reliance on this information is solely at the user's own risk.

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

Interstate 76

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Route Description 📍

🗺️ Overview

🚗 Key Concurrencies

📊 Length Breakdown

Historical Context 📜

🔄 Renumbering and Origins

🏗️ Development and Construction

Major Junctions and Exits 🚦

📋 Colorado Exits

🌽 Nebraska Segment

Business Routes 🏢

🏘️ Keenesburg Spur

🏙️ Fort Morgan–Sterling Loop

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Route Description

Overview

Key Concurrencies

Length Breakdown

Historical Context

Renumbering and Origins

Development and Construction

Major Junctions and Exits

Colorado Exits

Nebraska Segment

Business Routes

Keenesburg Spur

Fort Morgan–Sterling Loop

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice