Interstate number system

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Carolina_Beaver_Teaser, Jun 16, 2007.

  1. Carolina_Beaver_Teaser

    Carolina_Beaver_Teaser Light Load Member

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    The only reason I am posting this is because it seems to be a subject that is being skipped in Truck Driving Schools, and totally forgot by the driver trainer.

    For interstates:
    Even numbers go EAST - WEST . Mile marker number go down when traveling WEST, and UP when traveling EAST. ( I 10, I 40, I 20, and so on)

    Odd numbers go NORTH - SOUTH. Mile marker numbers go down in value while traveling SOUTH, and up when traveling NORTH.

    Now for those pesky 3 digit interstates, i.e. I 285, I 485, and so on.

    If the first digit is an even number ( 2, 4, 6 , 8,) it designates it as a LOOP.

    If the first number is odd (1, 3, 5, 7,9) it is a SPUR.


    And for fun, here is one that break this rule, and imagine that it's in Cali.
    http://kurumi.com/roads/3di/index.html

    And another one to help you Guys and Gals out
    http://www.ihoz.com/basic.html
     
    BostonTanker Thanks this.
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  3. Ducks

    Ducks "Token Four-Wheeler"

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    Thanks for posting this, Carolina_Beaver_Teaser! I knew about the East-West designation, but wrongly thought that all three digit numbers were loops.

    So... my question is -- what is a "spur"? I've heard the term before, but just don't know what it is...
     
  4. Ducks

    Ducks "Token Four-Wheeler"

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    I should have checked out your second link before posting my question.

    Dang -- I've been embarrassing myself a lot on here lately. :biggrin_25524:
     
  5. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    I-196 is designated north or south between Benton Harbor and Holland, MI. It is designated east or west between Holland and Grand Rapids. The direction of travel is posted beneath the numerical designation. There is often disagreement on CB about the direction of travel on I-196. Frustration also occurs whenever a west-bound driver on I-196 discovers there is no exit for U.S. 31 north-bound into Holland.
     
  6. Keith48

    Keith48 Light Load Member

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    They covered it in my driving school...
     
  7. WiseOne

    WiseOne Inactive contact bullhaulerswife

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    Carolina, thanks for the help! We have had some of that info posted for years: Map Facts. It is quite interesting to be sure.
     
  8. buck and a half

    buck and a half Mr. Miles & Miles with Many Smiles

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    madison,me
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    Good review,always good to repeat things that are that important,its all in the history of us highway systems,explained in a book of us highway maps,long ago,I forgot the publication. I knew some schools would have taught it but not many I am aware of.
     
  9. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    For those who don't know, The lower numbers are in the southern portion of the country and go higher as you go north, from I-4 in FL to I-96.

    The numbers here are lowest on the left coast and go higher as you come east, from I-5 in CA to I-97 here. Although somehow PA managed to get away with defying the numbering conventions and put an I-99 between I-79 and 81 where it doesn't belong.

    Here's another good one. US-50 here from the DC line to the US 50/301 split in Queenstown is I-595 on official records. It just isn't signed. I-68 here used to be US-48, co-signed with US-40 for much of it's length. The original plan was to change that part of 50 to I-68, and leave the current I-68 as US-48 due to the section in Cumberland that doesn't meet federal freeway standards, but I guess they changed their minds.
     
  10. Ducks

    Ducks "Token Four-Wheeler"

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    We're special. :biggrin_255:
     
  11. Carolina_Beaver_Teaser

    Carolina_Beaver_Teaser Light Load Member

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    Mooresville , NC
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    Don't sweat it!! We all do it from time to time. kinda like the old saying " If you ain't screwing up, then you're doing anything"
     
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