Interstate 40

Interstate 40

Country	USA
State or province
Type	I
Route number	40
Alternate name
Maintained by
Length	2555 miles ( km)
Established	1956
Decommissioned
Status

Interstate 40 (I-40) is a major east-west Interstate Highway in the United States, stretching from Barstow, California in the west to Wilmington, North Carolina in the east. Spanning approximately 2,555 miles, it is the third longest interstate highway in the United States and serves as a major corridor for commercial and recreational travel.

Route description

I-40 crosses through eight states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Each state offers unique geographical and cultural features, from the deserts of the Southwest to the mountains of North Carolina.

Major cities

Along its route, I-40 passes through several major cities, including Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville. These cities are key nodes in the network of the interstate, providing services, amenities, and employment opportunities to travelers and residents alike.

History

The construction of I-40 was authorized by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, with the goal of creating a national network of interstate highways. The construction of I-40 was completed in segments, with the final segment in North Carolina completed in 1990.

Major junctions

I-40 has several major junctions with other interstates, including Interstate 15 in Barstow, Interstate 25 in Albuquerque, Interstate 35 in Oklahoma City, Interstate 55 in West Memphis, and Interstate 95 in Benson, North Carolina.

Services and amenities

Along I-40, numerous rest areas, service stations, and commercial establishments provide services to travelers. These facilities are crucial for long-distance travel, offering rest, refueling, and dining options.

Cultural references

I-40 has been referenced in various cultural contexts, including music and literature, often symbolizing freedom and the open road. It is a popular route for road trips and has been featured in numerous road-trip narratives.

Future developments

Plans for upgrading and maintaining I-40 continue, with projects aimed at improving safety, capacity, and traffic flow. These developments are crucial for accommodating the increasing volume of traffic and enhancing the overall efficiency of the transportation network.

See also

• Interstate Highway System
• U.S. Route 66, which I-40 has replaced in some sections
• Transportation in the United States

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