Hubbry Logo
Interstate 80Interstate 80Main
Open search
Interstate 80
Community hub
Interstate 80
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Interstate 80
Interstate 80
Interstate 80
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Interstate 80 marker
Interstate 80
Map
I-80 highlighted in red
Route information
Length2,900.76 mi[1] (4,668.32 km)
Existed1956–present
HistoryCompleted in 1986
NHSEntire route
Major junctions
West end US 101 in San Francisco, CA
Major intersections
East end I-95 in Teaneck, NJ
Location
CountryUnited States
StatesCalifornia, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Highway system

Interstate 80 (I-80) is an east–west transcontinental freeway that crosses the United States from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey, in the New York metropolitan area. The highway was designated in 1956 as one of the original routes of the Interstate Highway System; its final segment was opened in 1986. At a length of 2,900.76 miles (4,668.32 km), it is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90. It runs through many major cities, including Oakland, Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha, Des Moines, and Toledo, and passes within 10 miles (16 km) of Chicago, Cleveland, and New York City.

I-80 is the Interstate Highway that most closely approximates the route of the historic Lincoln Highway, the first road across the United States. The highway roughly traces other historically significant travel routes in the Western United States: the Oregon Trail across Wyoming and Nebraska, the California Trail across most of Nevada and California, the first transcontinental airmail route, and the route of the first transcontinental railroad, except for the vicinity of the Great Salt Lake.

From near Chicago east to near Youngstown, Ohio, I-80 is a toll road, containing most of both the Indiana Toll Road and the Ohio Turnpike. I-80 runs concurrently with I-90 from near Portage, Indiana, to Elyria, Ohio. In Pennsylvania, I-80 is known as the Keystone Shortway, a non-tolled freeway that crosses rural north-central portions of the state on the way to New Jersey and New York City.

Route description

[edit]
Lengths
  mi[1] km
CA 199.24 320.65
NV 410.67 660.91
UT 197.51 317.86
WY 402.76 648.18
NE 455.32 732.77
IA 303.23 488.00
IL 163.52 263.16
IN 151.56 243.91
OH 237.48 382.19
PA 311.12 500.70
NJ 68.35 110.00
Total 2,900.76 4,668.32
Western terminus of I-80 at US 101 in San Francisco
I-80 is a major urban freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dusk view of a freeway descending into a neon lit cityscape
I-80 descending into Reno, Nevada, from the Sierra Nevada
Mountains of the Great Salt Lake as seen approaching Salt Lake City from the west
Green River Tunnel in Green River, Wyoming, one of three sets of tunnels along I-80
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney, Nebraska, which spans I-80
A highway underneath a clear sky surrounded by harvested cropland and green pastures
I-80 near Walnut, Iowa
Westbound Kingery Expressway in Lansing, Illinois
The Borman Expressway in Hammond, Indiana, approaching exit 3
I-80 Ohio Turnpike at the Cuyahoga River
Sign noting the highest point on I-80 east of the Mississippi River located in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
The eastern end of I-80 in Bergen County, New Jersey. Visible at the top of the photo are the George Washington Bridge and New York City.
The east end of I-80 at I-95 in Teaneck, New Jersey

California

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in California
See also: San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, Carquinez Bridge, and Yolo Causeway

I-80 begins at an interchange with US Route 101 (US 101) in San Francisco and then crosses the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge into Oakland. It then heads northeast through Vallejo, Sacramento, and the Sierra Nevada before crossing into Nevada.

A portion of the route through Pinole involved the experimental transplantation of the rare species Santa Cruz tarplant in the right-of-way.

Nevada

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Nevada

In Nevada, I-80 traverses the northern portion of the state. The freeway serves the Reno metropolitan area, and it also goes through the towns of Fernley, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Elko, Wells, and West Wendover on its way through the state.

The Nevada portion of I-80 follows the paths of the Truckee and Humboldt rivers, which have been used as a transportation corridor since the California Gold Rush of the 1840s. The Interstate also follows the historical routes of the California Trail, first transcontinental railroad, and Feather River Route throughout portions of the state. I-80 in Nevada closely follows, and at many points directly overlaps, the original route of the Victory Highway, State Route 1 (SR 1), and US 40.

Utah

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Utah

After crossing Utah's western border in Wendover, I-80 crosses the desolate Bonneville Salt Flats west of the Great Salt Lake. The longest stretch between exits on an Interstate Highway is located between Wendover and Knolls, with 37.4 miles (60.2 km) between those exits.[2] This portion of I-80, crossing the Great Salt Lake Desert, is extremely flat and straight, dotted with large warning signs about driver fatigue and drowsiness.

East of the salt flats, I-80 passes the southern edge of Great Salt Lake and continues on through Salt Lake City, where it merges with I-15 for three miles (4.8 km) before entering the Wasatch Range east of the city. It ascends Parleys Canyon and passes within a few miles of Park City as it follows a route through the mountains toward the junction with the eastern terminus of the western section of I-84. From the junction it continues up Echo Canyon and on toward the border with Wyoming, near Evanston.

The route of the Utah section of I-80 is defined in Utah Code Annotated § 72-4-113(10).[3]

Wyoming

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Wyoming

In Wyoming, I-80 reaches its maximum elevation of 8,640 feet (2,630 m) above sea level[4] at Sherman Summit, near Buford, which, at 8,000 feet (2,400 m), is the highest community on I-80. Farther west in Wyoming, the Interstate passes through the dry Red Desert and over the Continental Divide. In a way, the highway crosses the Divide twice, since two ridges of the Rocky Mountains split in Wyoming, forming the endorheic Great Divide Basin, from which surface water cannot drain but can only evaporate.

Nebraska

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Nebraska

I-80 enters Nebraska west of Bushnell. The western portion of I-80 in Nebraska runs very close to the state of Colorado, without entering the state. The intersection of I-76 and I-80 is visible from the Colorado–Nebraska state line. From its intersection with I-76 to Grand Island, I-80 lies in the valley of the South Platte River and the Platte River.

The longest straight stretch of Interstate anywhere in the Interstate Highway System is the approximately 72 miles (116 km) of I-80 occurring between exit 318 in the Grand Island area and milemarker 390 near Lincoln. Along this length, the road does not vary from an ideally straight line by more than a few yards. After Lincoln, I-80 turns northeast toward Omaha. It then crosses the Missouri River in Omaha to enter the state of Iowa. Part of I-80 in Nebraska is marked as a Blue Star Memorial Highway.

Iowa

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Iowa

I-80 is the longest Interstate Highway in Iowa. It extends from west to east across the central portion of the state through the population centers of Council Bluffs, Des Moines, and the Quad Cities.[5] It enters the state at the Missouri River in Council Bluffs and heads east through the southern Iowa drift plain. In the Des Moines metropolitan area, I-80 meets up with I-35 and the two routes bypass Downtown Des Moines together while I-235 proceeds straight through the metro and rejoins both on the far side. In Ankeny, the Interstates split and I-80 continues east. On the west edge of the Iowa City metropolitan area, it intersects I-380, a segment of the Avenue of the Saints. Northwest of the Quad Cities in Walcott is Iowa 80, the world's largest truckstop. I-80 passes along the northern edge of Davenport and Bettendorf and leaves Iowa via the Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River into Illinois. The majority of the highway runs through farmland,[5] yet roughly a third of Iowa's population live along the I-80 corridor.[6]

Illinois

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Illinois
See also: Tri-State Tollway and Kingery Expressway

In Illinois, I-80 runs from the Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge across the Mississippi River south to an intersection with I-74. It then runs east across north-central Illinois just north of the Illinois River to Joliet. I-80 continues east through the southern suburbs of Chicago and joins I-94 just before entering Indiana.

Indiana

[edit]
Main articles: Borman Expressway and Indiana Toll Road

In Indiana, I-80 runs concurrently with another Interstate Highway for its entire length. It runs with I-94 on the Borman Expressway from the Illinois state line to Lake Station, Indiana, then with I-90 on the Indiana Toll Road from Lake Station to the Ohio state line.

Between La Porte and the Toledo metropolitan area, I-80/I-90 is located within 10 miles (16 km) of the Michigan state line but does not enter that state. From the State Road 9 (SR 9) and I-80/I-90 interchange, the sign marking the Indiana–Michigan state line is visible. I-80/I-90 passes through the South Bend–Mishawaka metropolitan area, passing the University of Notre Dame and the University Park Mall, intersecting with the St. Joseph Valley Parkway. At another point in northern Indiana, I-80/I-90 comes within about 200 yards (180 m) of the Michigan border.[7]

Ohio

[edit]
Main articles: Interstate 80 in Ohio and Ohio Turnpike

In Ohio, I-80/I-90 enters from the Indiana Toll Road and immediately becomes the Ohio Turnpike. The two Interstates cross rural northwest Ohio and run just south of the Toledo metropolitan area. In Rossford, the turnpike intersects I-75 in an area known as the Crossroads of America. This intersection is one of the largest intersections of three Interstate Highways in the United States.[citation needed]

In Elyria Township, just west of Cleveland, I-90 splits from I-80, leaving the turnpike and running northeast as a freeway. I-80 runs east-southeast through the southern suburbs of Cleveland. Just northwest of Youngstown, the Ohio Turnpike continues southeast as I-76, while I-80 exits the turnpike and runs east to the north of Youngstown, entering Pennsylvania south of Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, I-80 is the main east–west freeway through the central part of the state. It runs from the Ohio state line near Sharon to the Delaware Water Gap Toll Bridge over the Delaware River and is called the "Z.H. Confair Memorial Highway".

It traverses the extreme northern section of Greater Pittsburgh. I-80 serves as the western terminus for I-376 which connects it to Pittsburgh International Airport and on to Downtown Pittsburgh and suburban Pittsburgh. I-80 intersects I-79, which connects with Erie (about 75 miles (121 km) to the north) and Pittsburgh (about 55 miles (89 km) to the south). Further east, I-99 connects with State College and Altoona. A spur from I-80 (I-180) runs to Williamsport. Upon entering the Pocono Mountains region, I-80 meets I-81, connecting Syracuse, New York, and Harrisburg, and I-476 which connects with Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, and Philadelphia. Another spur (I-380) runs to Scranton.

In Clearfield County, I-80 reaches its highest elevation east of the Mississippi River, 2,250 feet (690 m), although other Interstate Highways east of the Mississippi, including I-26 in North Carolina and Tennessee, reach higher elevations.

In 2007, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), combined with state legislature Act No. 44, initiated plans to enact a tolling system on the entire span of I-80 throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On October 15, 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the PTC signed a 50-year lease agreement, which would allow the PTC to maintain and, eventually, toll I-80.[8] However, the application for a toll was rejected by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).[9]

New Jersey

[edit]
Main article: Interstate 80 in New Jersey

I-80 does not enter New York City. Once the I-95/New Jersey Turnpike was extended in 1971 from its former terminus at US 46 in Ridgefield to I-80 in Teaneck, the section from Teaneck to Fort Lee was resigned as I-95, and it is the latter roadway that enters New York City via the George Washington Bridge. I-80's designated end (as per signage and New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) documents) is four miles (6.4 km)[10] short of New York City in Teaneck, before the Degraw Avenue overpass. There, signs designate the end of I-80 and the beginning of I-95/New Jersey Turnpike northbound.

One section of I-80 running from Netcong to Denville was constructed in 1958.

History

[edit]

I-80 was included in the original plan for the Interstate Highway System as approved in 1956. The highway was built in segments, with the final piece of I-80 completed in 1986 on the western edge of Salt Lake City. This piece was coincidentally dedicated close to the 30th birthday of the Interstate Highway System, which was noted at the dedication and considered to be a milestone in the history of highway construction in the United States.[11] It was also noted at the dedication that this was only 50 miles (80 km) south of Promontory Summit, where another first in a transcontinental artery was completed—the golden spike of the US's first transcontinental railroad.[12]

Geological study

[edit]

John McPhee described the geology revealed by the building of I-80 in a series of books on the formation of the continent of North America, books that were published between 1981 and 1993 and collected in a one-volume edition in 1998 Annals of the Former World which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1999. In "Basin and Range" (1981), he described how the idea emerged in a conversation with Princeton geologist Kenneth S. Deffeyes:[13]

What about Interstate 80, I asked him. It goes the distance. How would it be? "Absorbing," he said. And he mused aloud: After 80 crosses the Border Fault, it pussyfoots along on morainal till that levelled up the fingers of the foldbelt hills. It does a similar dance with glacial debris in parts of Pennsylvania. It needs no assistance on the craton. It climbs a ramp to the Rockies and a fault-block staircase up the front of the Sierra. It is geologically shrewd. It was the route of animal migrations, and of human history that followed. It avoids melodrama, avoids the Grand Canyons, the Jackson Holes, the geologic operas of the country, but it would surely be a sound experience of the big picture, of the history, the construction, the components of the continent.

Junction list

[edit]
California
US 101 in San Francisco
I-880 in Oakland
I-580 on the Oakland–Emeryville city line. The highways travel concurrently to Albany.
I-780 in Vallejo
I-680 in Fairfield
I-505 in Vacaville
I-80 BL / I-305 / US 50 in West Sacramento
I-5 in Sacramento
Nevada
I-580 / US 395 in Reno
US 95 south-southwest of Lovelock. The highways travel concurrently to Winnemucca.
US 93 in Wells
Utah
I-215 in Salt Lake City
I-15 in Salt Lake City. The highways travel concurrently to South Salt Lake.
US 89 in South Salt Lake
I-215 southeast of Salt Lake City
US 40 / US 189 in Silver Creek Junction. I-80/US 189 travels concurrently to east-northeast of Evanston, Wyoming.
I-84 in Echo
Wyoming
US 30 in Little America. The highways travel concurrently to south-southeast of Walcott.
US 191 in Purple Sage. The highways travel concurrently to Rock Springs.
US 287 east of Rawlins. The highways travel concurrently to south-southeast of Walcott.
US 30 / US 287 in Laramie. I-80 / US 30 travel concurrently to southwest of Cheyenne.
I-25 / US 87 southwest of Cheyenne
I-180 / US 85 on the Fox Farm–Cheyenne line
US 30 east-northeast of Cheyenne. The highways travel concurrently to Pine Bluffs.
Nebraska
US 138 southwest of Big Springs
I-76 southwest of Big Springs
US 26 in Ogallala
US 83 in North Platte
US 283 south of Lexington
US 183 south of Elm Creek
US 34 / US 281 south of Grand Island
US 81 in York
US 6 in Lincoln
US 77 in Lincoln. The highways travel concurrently to north-northeast of Lincoln.
I-180 / US 34 in Lincoln
US 6 in Waverly
US 275 in Omaha
I-680 in Omaha
I-480 / US 75 in Omaha
Iowa
I-29 in Council Bluffs. The highways travel concurrently through Council Bluffs.
US 6 in Council Bluffs
I-880 northwest of Minden
US 59 in Avoca
US 6 / US 71 north-northeast of Lorah. I-80/US 6 travel concurrently to De Soto.
US 6 / US 169 in De Soto
I-35 / I-235 in West Des Moines. I-35/I-80 travels concurrently to Ankeny.
US 6 on the Clive–Urbandale city line
US 69 in Des Moines
I-35 / I-235 in Ankeny
US 65 in Altoona. The highways travel concurrently through Altoona.
US 6 / US 65 in Altoona. I-80/US 6 travels concurrently to Newton.
US 63 south of Malcom
US 151 east-northeast of Williamsburg
I-380 / US 218 on the Tiffin–Coralville city line
US 6 north-northwest of Wilton. The highways travel concurrently to Davenport.
I-280 / US 6 / US 61 in Davenport. I-80/US 61 travels concurrently through Davenport.
I-74 in Davenport
US 67 in Le Claire
Illinois
I-88 in East Moline
US 6 in Colona
I-74 / I-280 in Colona
I-180 northeast of Princeton
I-39 / US 51 in LaSalle
I-55 in Channahon
US 52 in Joliet
US 30 in New Lenox
I-355 in New Lenox
US 45 on the Mokena–Orland Park–Tinley Park city line
I-57 in Country Club Hills
I-294 in Hazel Crest. The highways travel concurrently to the South Holland–Lansing village line.
I-94 / I-294 on the South Holland–Lansing village line. I-80/I-94 travels concurrently to Lake Station, Indiana.
US 6 in Lansing. The highways travel concurrently to Lake Station, Indiana.
Indiana
US 41 in Hammond. The highways travel concurrently through Hammond.
I-65 in Gary
I-90 / I-94 in Lake Station. I-80/I-90 travels concurrently to northwest of Elyria, Ohio.
US 421 southeast of Otis
US 31 in South Bend
US 131 north-northeast of Middlebury
I-69 west-northwest of Fremont
Ohio
US 20 in Maumee
I-75 in Perrysburg
I-280 northeast of Stony Ridge
US 250 north-northwest of Milan
I-480 in North Ridgeville
I-71 / US 42 in Strongsville
I-77 on the Richfield–Brecksville line
I-480 in Streetsboro
I-76 east-southeast of North Jackson
I-680 in Mineral Ridge
US 422 in Girard
US 62 north of Hubbard
Pennsylvania
I-376 south of Hermitage
US 19 south of Mercer
I-79 northwest of Grove City
US 322 west of Corsica
US 219 east-northeast of Falls Creek
I-99 / US 220 northwest of Zion. I-80/US 220 travels concurrently to east of Mackeyville.
US 15 north of New Columbia
I-180 northeast of New Columbia
US 11 in Lime Ridge
I-81 north-northwest of Drums
I-476 east of East Side
I-380 south-southwest of Pocono Summit
US 209 in Arlington Heights. The highways travel concurrently to east of East Stroudsburg.
New Jersey
US 46 in Columbia
US 206 west of Stanhope. The highways travel concurrently to south-southeast of Netcong.
US 46 in Netcong
US 46 east of Rockaway
US 202 in Parsippany-Troy Hills
I-287 in Parsippany-Troy Hills
I-280 in Parsippany-Troy Hills
US 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills
US 46 in Wayne
I-95 in Teaneck

[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Interstate 80

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Interstate 80 is a major east-west transcontinental Interstate Highway in the United States, spanning approximately 2,902 miles (4,671 km) from its western terminus near , , to its eastern terminus near . It is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the nation, after Interstate 90, and serves as a critical artery for interstate commerce, tourism, and daily commuting across diverse landscapes including urban centers, rural plains, and mountain passes. The route traverses 11 states: , , , , , , , , , , and , connecting major metropolitan areas such as Sacramento, Reno, , Omaha, Des Moines, , , and . I-80 largely parallels the historic , the first road across the U.S. promoted in the early , and incorporates segments of older in the West. Constructed primarily between the 1950s and 1980s as part of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's vision for a national interstate system, it handles significant freight traffic, with average daily volumes exceeding 100,000 vehicles in high-traffic sections like the Bay Area and approaches. Notable features include the challenging Sierra Nevada crossing via in and extensive rural stretches through the , underscoring its role in linking the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Overview

Route summary

Interstate 80 (I-80) is a transcontinental east–west Interstate Highway in the United States, extending from its western terminus in the of to its eastern terminus in , near the . Spanning approximately 2,900 miles across 11 states—, , , , , , , , , , and —it serves as one of the nation's longest and most vital freight and travel corridors. The highway's path encompasses a dramatic range of geographic features, starting near the and immediately tackling the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains via the historic in . It then traverses the expansive deserts in and western , climbs through the in southern , and opens onto the broad of Nebraska and Iowa, where it crosses the near . In its eastern half, I-80 winds through the rolling hills and of and , ultimately linking to the densely populated and approaching the Atlantic coast. As a key component of the national Interstate System, I-80 largely parallels the historic —the first transcontinental automobile road established in 1913—and the , facilitating efficient long-distance commerce and travel while connecting major urban hubs such as Salt Lake City, Omaha, , , and the New York metro region. This alignment underscores its role as a foundational east-west artery, supporting economic activity from coastal ports to inland industrial centers.

Length and major features

Interstate 80 spans a total length of 2,900.76 miles (4,668.32 km), establishing it as the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States after Interstate 90. This transcontinental route traverses 11 states from its western terminus in , , to its eastern terminus in . The mileage distribution across states highlights the highway's extensive reach through diverse terrains, as detailed below:
StateMiles (km)
199 (320)
411 (661)
198 (318)
403 (648)
455 (733)
303 (488)
164 (264)
152 (245)
237 (382)
311 (501)
68 (110)
These figures reflect official measurements for the primary route, accounting for concurrencies such as with I-90. As part of the , Interstate 80 adheres to federal standards emphasizing full and divided roadways. It is predominantly a four-lane divided , expanding to six or eight lanes in densely populated urban corridors to handle elevated traffic volumes. Speed limits vary by state and environmental conditions, typically posted at 55 mph through mountainous sections for safety and up to 80 mph on rural plains where sight lines and road geometry permit higher speeds. Interstate 80 stands as the longest continuous freeway in the United States, showcasing significant engineering adaptations to challenging landscapes. Key features include multiple multi-span bridges crossing the wide valley in , which facilitate safe passage over flood-prone areas; and extensive snow fences (about 40 miles) in Wyoming's high-elevation sections, such as near Sherman Hill, to mitigate blowing and drifting snow. These elements underscore the highway's role in providing reliable cross-country connectivity while addressing regional environmental demands.

Route description

California

Interstate 80 in California spans 199 miles from its western terminus at the interchange with in to the Nevada state line near Verdi. The route begins in the urban core of , where it heads northeast along the Embarcadero Freeway stub before merging onto the , a vital crossing over the that connects to and then Oakland. This segment experiences significant urban congestion, particularly during peak hours in the densely populated Bay Area, with average daily traffic volumes exceeding 200,000 vehicles on the bridge approach. East of the Bay Bridge, I-80 passes through Oakland and Berkeley, serving as a major commuter artery with connections to Interstate 580 near Albany, which provides access to the suburbs and northern . The highway then crosses the via the Carquinez Bridge into Contra Costa County, transitioning from urban to suburban terrain as it approaches the . In this area, it intersects with various local routes, including State Route 4 in , facilitating travel to Vallejo and points north. Continuing eastward, I-80 enters the Central Valley, characterized by flat rural farmland and agricultural landscapes, where it serves as a key freight corridor linking the Bay Area to inland regions. The route reaches Sacramento, the state capital, after passing through West Sacramento; here, it connects to at the southern edge of the city, enabling north-south travel along California's main north-south interstate, and to Interstate 80 Business, which loops through . Beyond Sacramento, the highway traverses Yolo and Placer counties, with relatively straight alignments through the valley until it begins its ascent into the . The eastern portion of I-80 in California climbs dramatically into the Sierra Nevada mountains, culminating at Donner Summit, the highest point on the route at an of 7,239 feet. This section features steep grades exceeding 6 percent, sharp curves, and heavy winter snowfall, often requiring or traction devices on all vehicles except those with and snow-tread tires on all wheels during chain control periods from November to April. As of the latest update around midday, I-80 eastbound and westbound are open with no chain controls in effect at key points (e.g., Truckee, Donner Lake, Stateline), indicating no significant snow or ice hazards as of the latest midday update. No major closures, ice, or snow issues are reported across Nevada and Utah segments of I-80. High-altitude areas remain prone to sudden changes in winter; always verify real-time conditions before travel. The summit marks the divide between the watershed to the west and the to the east, with the highway descending through the into the and Tahoe Basin before crossing into near Reno.

Nevada

Interstate 80 enters from near the community of in Washoe County, marking the transition from the Sierra Nevada foothills into the arid region. The highway quickly reaches the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area, where it serves as a vital for the region's , passing through urban zones with heavy traffic and commercial development. In Reno, I-80 connects to Interstate 580, a that provides access southward to Carson City and beyond. This segment includes the prominent casino corridor along the route, featuring numerous gaming establishments that contribute to 's tourism industry. East of Sparks, the freeway crosses the Truckee River and enters Storey, Lyon, and Churchill Counties, traversing the with relatively flat terrain before ascending into more isolated high desert plateaus. Services become sparse as I-80 proceeds through long rural stretches, particularly in Humboldt and Elko Counties, where vast expanses of and minimal amenities characterize the journey between small towns like Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Carlin, and Elko. A key junction occurs at Winnemucca in Humboldt County, where intersects, offering connections northward to . The route experiences notable elevation changes, rising from around 4,500 feet in the Reno area to over 6,900 feet at Pequop Summit in Elko County, the highest point along I-80 in . Spanning 410.7 miles, Nevada hosts the longest segment of Interstate 80 among all states, emphasizing its role in cross-country travel through remote terrain. The highway concludes its Nevada traverse near West Wendover in Elko County, approaching the Utah state line and the expansive , a vast, flat expanse used for land speed trials and visible from the route. This eastern approach highlights the transition to even broader desert landscapes.

Utah

Interstate 80 enters from at , where it immediately crosses the expansive , a vast, flat expanse of salt crust covering over 30,000 acres on the western edge of the basin. These flats, remnants of prehistoric , are renowned for hosting land speed trials and record attempts, drawing racers to their hard, smooth surface annually. Eastward, the highway traverses the barren , characterized by its flat, arid terrain and minimal vegetation, providing a stark, open driving experience with few services over the initial 100 miles. Approaching the Wasatch Front, I-80 reaches the urban corridor of , spanning approximately 197 miles across northern from the Nevada border to the Wyoming line. In the Salt Lake City area, the route intersects major highways including , a north-south corridor through the city, and features a business route (I-80 Business) that loops through downtown, while Interstate 215 serves as an outer beltway bypassing the denser urban core to the south and north. The highway skirts the northern shore of the , avoiding its saline waters, before ascending into the rugged via , a steep, winding pass that climbs over 5,000 feet in elevation with broad curves designed for heavy traffic. East of , I-80 continues through the mountainous terrain to Echo Junction, where it meets Interstate 84, providing access northward to Ogden and other communities along the . The route then descends through Echo Canyon, a historic defile following the , marked by dramatic red rock cliffs and historical significance along the and corridors. Finally, I-80 exits near the town of , after traversing this eastern mountainous transition from the high desert lowlands.

Wyoming

Interstate 80 enters from just west of Evanston, marking the transition into the state's high-elevation plains and remote ranchlands. The highway initially follows a relatively flat trajectory through Uinta County before ascending gradually toward the southwest corner of the state. Near Evanston, it intersects with U.S. Route 189, providing access to local communities and serving as a gateway for freight and passenger traffic crossing the border. As I-80 progresses eastward, it crosses the Rock Springs-Green River area in Sweetwater County, a key hub for 's , including and operations that support the state's economy. The route passes through expansive, arid landscapes of the Red Desert, where it intersects at Rock Springs, facilitating connections to regional industrial sites and the . This segment highlights the highway's role in transporting energy resources, with nearby facilities like the hub contributing to interstate pipelines. Further east, the terrain shifts to rolling high plains, culminating in the ascent to Sherman Hill, the on I-80 at 8,640 feet (2,634 m), where it crosses the Continental Divide without a traditional . This 77-mile stretch between Walcott Junction and Laramie represents the longest continuously constructed segment of interstate highway in the , opened in 1971 despite challenging construction conditions. The highway's path through is notorious for , including high winds that frequently gust over 50 mph and heavy fall leading to , particularly around Elk Mountain and Arlington. These windy, snowy challenges, exacerbated by the open terrain, have prompted extensive snow mitigation efforts, such as the state's network of over 400 miles of snow fences along I-80 to reduce drifting and improve . Wildlife interactions, notably frequent elk crossings in the Laramie Mountains area, pose additional hazards, with ongoing projects installing barriers and overpasses to reconnect migration corridors severed by the roadway. Descending from Sherman Hill through Albany County, I-80 reaches Laramie before continuing to , where it forms a major interchange with Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 Business, handling significant cross-country freight volumes. Spanning 402 miles in total, I-80 exits at the Nebraska state line near Pine Bluffs, transitioning into the flatter .

Nebraska

Interstate 80 enters from at the western state line near Kimball in Kimball County, marking the beginning of its 455-mile traversal across the state's . The highway proceeds eastward through the Panhandle region, passing small communities like Sidney and Ogallala before aligning with the valley, which it follows for much of its length through central . This path offers one of the flattest and straightest alignments in the Interstate system, with minimal grades that facilitate efficient long-distance travel and support the transport of agricultural goods from the surrounding farmland. The route's rural sections, which dominate much of the crossing, feature expansive views of cornfields, feedlots, and occasional wind farms, underscoring Nebraska's role as a vital agricultural . Speed limits reach 75 mph in these areas, allowing for high-speed travel amid the level terrain, while passing through university towns such as Kearney and Lincoln adds pockets of urban development. The highway's design emphasizes straightness, with notable stretches exceeding 70 miles without significant curvature, enhancing its utility for freight and passenger traffic alike. In Lincoln, the state capital, I-80 intersects with Interstate 180, a short spur providing access to downtown, and , serving as a key north-south connector. Further east, the highway reaches Omaha, Nebraska's largest city, where it meets , a major north-south corridor linking to Sioux City and Kansas City, and Interstate 480, which forms part of the city's inner loop. From Omaha, I-80 crosses the via a series of bridges, exiting the state near Council Bluffs and entering to continue its transcontinental journey.

Iowa

Interstate 80 enters from across the at Council Bluffs, where it briefly overlaps with for about three miles before diverging eastward as a four-lane freeway through the Omaha metropolitan area extension. The highway then traverses western 's gently rolling hills and expansive farmland, dominated by cornfields and hog farms, passing through rural communities like Avoca and Atlantic while serving as a vital trucking corridor for agricultural goods. This section is particularly prone to , including tornadoes that occasionally cross the route, as seen in multiple outbreaks affecting the corridor. Continuing eastward, I-80 reaches the Des Moines metropolitan area after approximately 130 miles, intersecting Interstate 35 in West Des Moines and overlapping with it for 14 miles northward through the city to Ankeny, where Interstate 235 provides a downtown loop. In Des Moines, the highway features urban shopping corridors with numerous commercial developments along its path, including access to the Iowa State Fairgrounds and major retail centers. Beyond the capital, I-80 passes through central Iowa's prairie landscapes, serving Ames via a junction with U.S. Route 30 and skirting north of Cedar Rapids with connections to U.S. Route 151, maintaining its role as a high-volume east-west artery amid tornado-prone farmlands. In eastern Iowa, the route shifts toward more riverine terrain near the Mississippi, passing Grinnell and Williamsburg before reaching the area, where it meets Interstate 280 near Walcott and Interstate 74 in Davenport. The highway spans a total of 306 miles across the state, ending at the Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge over the into at Le Claire. Throughout its Iowa course, I-80 largely parallels the historic , the nation's first transcontinental road completed in 1913, which shares much of the same alignment through the state's agricultural heartland.

Illinois

Interstate 80 enters Illinois from Iowa via the Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge spanning the near Rapids City. The highway proceeds eastward through the region, serving East Moline and Moline with interchanges at Interstate 74 and Interstate 88 near Moline. Traversing predominantly rural landscapes in , I-80 passes communities such as Princeton and intersects near LaSalle County. Further east, the route approaches the , intersecting in Joliet after crossing the . It continues through southwestern suburbs including New Lenox and Tinley Park, where it meets Interstate 57. In this vicinity, I-80 provides connections to the tolled (Tri-State Tollway) near Hazel Crest and (Veterans Memorial Tollway) near New Lenox. Nearing its eastern terminus, I-80 overlaps with along the Kingery Expressway, routing south of downtown through industrial zones in Lansing and before crossing into . A brief segment near the Tri-State Tollway junction is maintained by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and subject to tolls. Spanning 163 miles across the state, I-80 facilitates substantial freight movement, including heavy truck traffic supporting industrial activities and access to the via connections to southern logistics hubs.

Indiana

Interstate 80 enters from near Hammond as part of the , a co-designated with Interstate 90 throughout the state. The route spans 156 miles across , serving as the state's primary east-west corridor and connecting the to the border near West Unity. Known officially as the Indiana East–West Toll Road, it is fully tolled and maintained by the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company, providing a direct link for freight and passenger traffic through the region's industrial heartland. The highway passes through key industrial cities, beginning in the Hammond-Gary area where it skirts major steel production facilities, including the U.S. Steel Gary Works, the largest integrated steel mill in . In Gary, Interstate 80 intersects with , offering access to and beyond. Further east, the route traverses the South Bend metropolitan area, passing near the and intersecting with and the unsigned business route of Interstate 90, which provides local access to downtown South Bend. Beyond South Bend, the toll road continues through rural northern Indiana, nearing Amish communities in Elkhart and LaGrange counties before reaching the Ohio state line east of . As a vital artery in the , the facilitates the transport of goods from manufacturing hubs like Gary's industry to eastern markets, supporting economic activity in northern Indiana's post-industrial landscape. The roadway features four lanes in each direction for most of its length, with wider sections in urban areas to accommodate heavy truck traffic, and includes service plazas for traveler amenities. This tolled infrastructure underscores Indiana's role in cross-country commerce, linking Midwestern industry with the .

Ohio

Interstate 80 enters from at the Westgate toll plaza near Edon, where it joins the , a tolled expressway that it cosigns with Interstate 90 for the majority of its 237-mile traversal across the northern part of the state. The route parallels the southern shore of , traversing rural farmland initially before entering more developed areas, passing through key cities such as Toledo, , Akron, and Youngstown, and terminating at the state line near New Galilee. This path serves as a vital east-west corridor, linking the industrial heartland of the Midwest with the Appalachian region to the east. The portion of I-80 features modern infrastructure, including open-road tolling for users and 14 service plazas spaced approximately every 30 to 50 miles, offering fuel, dining, restrooms, and truck parking to support long-haul travel. In urban segments, particularly around and Youngstown, the highway skirts areas marked by stemming from the Rust Belt's , where abandoned factories and declining populations reflect the shift away from and dominance since the late . Nearby, chemical industries thrive in proximity to the route, with facilities like Dow Chemical in Twinsburg supporting production of industrial materials and contributing to the local economy. Significant interchanges along I-80 in Ohio include the connection to I-75 near Perrysburg in the Toledo area, via I-280 for port access; I-480 and I-71 near Strongsville serving the suburbs; I-77 in ; and I-680 near Youngstown. These junctions facilitate regional connectivity and freight movement. Overall, I-80 plays a crucial role in linking ports, such as the Port of and Port of Toledo, enabling the transport of bulk commodities, including chemicals and manufactured goods, through the system to global markets.

Pennsylvania

Interstate 80 enters from west of Sharon in Mercer County, marking the start of its 311-mile journey across the northern part of the state as the longest east-west Interstate within . The route, designated as the Keystone Shortway and officially the Z. H. Confair Memorial Highway, proceeds eastward through rural and forested areas, crossing the northern via hilly terrain and winding ridges. Unlike tolled sections in neighboring states, this segment remains entirely non-tolled, providing a free alternative for transcontinental travel. As I-80 advances, it serves key junctions and communities, including an interchange with PA 66 near Clarion in Clarion County, which connects to local services and the Allegheny River valley. Further east, near Bellefonte in Centre County, it intersects I-99 and US 220, offering access to State College and Pennsylvania State University, one of several college towns along the corridor. The highway also facilitates entry to the Pennsylvania Wilds region, with exits leading to state parks such as Hyner View State Park and the Chuck Noll Field area for recreational opportunities amid the central uplands. In , I-80 passes through the Stroudsburg area in Monroe County, where it meets I-380, providing a southern link to Scranton and the Wilkes-Barre region. The route then traverses the , featuring elevated vistas of dense forests and valleys similar to those along the , before reaching its eastern terminus at the on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line along the . This final stretch highlights the highway's role in connecting remote Appalachian landscapes to the urban Northeast.

New Jersey

Interstate 80 enters from at the , crossing the on the Delaware Water Gap Toll Bridge in Hardwick Township, Warren County. The route then travels eastward for 68.54 miles (110.30 km), the shortest state segment of the transcontinental highway, ending at an interchange with Interstate 95 () in Teaneck, County. Throughout its length, I-80 traverses a mix of rural northwestern landscapes transitioning into dense suburban and industrial zones in the northern part of the state, serving as a vital link for commuters and freight to the . As of 2025, ongoing mitigation projects continue to enhance safety in the northwestern sections. In Morris and Passaic counties, the highway passes through communities such as Netcong, Dover, Parsippany, Wayne, and Paterson, where it intersects key routes including near Parsippany and Interstate 280, providing proximity to Newark. The corridor experiences significant congestion, especially in the Paterson vicinity, amid heavy urban traffic volumes. I-80 crosses the multiple times in this region, including at Singac in Wayne Township and near Paterson, facilitating movement through the industrialized Passaic Valley. Entering Bergen County, I-80 continues through suburban areas like Elmwood Park, Saddle Brook, Lodi, Hackensack, and Teaneck, intersecting again near Fort Lee. This final stretch offers access to the via connecting roads, positioning the route as the primary western gateway to for cross-country travelers. The terminus interchange with I-95 integrates I-80 into the system, enabling seamless connections northward to or southward along the .

History

Planning and designation

The vision for a transcontinental highway akin to Interstate 80 originated in early 20th-century efforts to connect the eastern and . The Association, established in 1913, promoted the development of the first coast-to-coast improved road from to , emphasizing a northern alignment through 13 states that would later influence Interstate planning. This initiative built on the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, which created the federal-aid program to fund state road improvements and laid the foundation for national highway development by providing matching grants for rural post roads and interstate highways. The , including I-80, was formally established by the , signed into law on June 29, 1956, authorizing approximately 41,000 miles of controlled-access highways with an initial funding commitment of $25 billion over 13 years to enhance national defense and commerce. In September 1957, the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO), working with the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR), finalized route numbering under a scheme where even-numbered highways ran east-west, assigning I-80 to the northern transcontinental corridor to parallel existing transportation routes while circumventing the steepest Rocky Mountain passes through southern and northern . Planning for I-80's alignment involved BPR-led surveys throughout the 1950s, which prioritized routes paralleling the Union Pacific Railroad's main line for logistical efficiency and reduced engineering demands, such as easier grading and proximity to established supply chains, while steering clear of dense urban areas to limit land acquisition and right-of-way conflicts. These surveys incorporated data from prior highway studies and aimed to balance connectivity with economic viability, resulting in a path that largely overlaid segments of the historic . Designation milestones for I-80 followed the 1956 act, with the route incorporated into the system's initial blueprint and formally approved for development in alongside the release of the first Interstate (ICE) pegging the total system cost at $41 billion, up from the original projection due to refined mileage and design standards. The first segments of I-80 were officially signed and opened to traffic in the early 1960s, such as portions in and , as states began receiving apportioned funds under the act's 90-10 federal-state cost-sharing formula, with annual authorizations starting at $1 billion in fiscal year 1957 and rising to support phased implementation. Funding allocations for I-80 were determined by state-specific mileage and estimated construction needs, contributing to the system's overall escalation to approximately $114 billion by completion.

Construction phases

Construction of Interstate 80 proceeded in distinct phases across the , beginning shortly after its designation in the and spanning several decades due to varying regional challenges and funding allocations. In the western states of , , , and , major work occurred primarily in the and early , with early segments leveraging existing alignments and focusing on mountainous terrain. 's portion, including the challenging section over the Sierra Nevada, saw construction begin in the late 1950s, with blasting and tunneling operations intensifying from 1960 to 1964; the pass route was fully completed and opened in December 1964, marking a significant feat that replaced older, narrower highways. In , segments from to were built starting in 1958, with the final major link between Evanston and completed in 1966 at a cost of approximately $6 million. 's route, much of it upgraded from , was largely finished by 1965, while 's 402-mile stretch advanced through the , culminating in the opening of the 77-mile "Snow Chi Minh Trail" segment—including the rugged Sherman Hill area—on October 3, 1970, after extensive grading and bridge work to handle severe winter conditions. The last section east of opened in May 1977. The Midwest states—, , , , and —saw construction accelerate in the and extend into the 1980s, building on flatter terrain but facing urban integration issues and river crossings. planned its 459-mile route in four phases over 15 years, starting with the Omaha-Lincoln corridor in 1958; the project cost $435 million overall, with completion celebrated on October 19, 1974, making the first state to finish its primary Interstate. 's 306-mile segment progressed steadily from 1958, with most rural sections open by 1970 and urban links finalized in the early 1980s. In and , work on the 163-mile and 156-mile portions, respectively, began in the early , incorporating upgrades to existing freeways and completing by the mid-1970s amid growing suburban development. integrated much of its 237-mile route with the pre-existing , opened in 1955; the turnpike was officially designated as part of I-80 in the , with extensions and interchanges—like the connection to I-71 near —added by 1966 to align with federal standards. Eastern construction in and lagged slightly, unfolding from the late to the 1990s due to denser population and complex infrastructure. 's 311-mile Keystone Shortway began with the Toll Bridge in 1953 and initial grading near in 1959; key projects included 18 major bridges, such as the crossing opened in 1964, and extensive earthwork across the Appalachian ridges, totaling $324 million and finishing on September 17, 1970. 's 68-mile segment was built in stages from 1961 to 1973, starting with a rerouting of U.S. 611 in the west and ending with terminus upgrades near Teaneck in the 1970s to connect seamlessly to the . Throughout the project, delays arose from 1970s inflation, which increased material and labor costs by over 50% in some regions, and strikes by construction unions, such as the 1970 nationwide building trades walkout that halted work on multiple segments for months. The overall , encompassing I-80, incurred nominal costs of about $114 billion from 1956 to 1991, equivalent to over $500 billion in adjusted 2023 dollars, with I-80's share reflecting similar escalations in rural and urban builds. Interstate 80 achieved coast-to-coast continuity by 1977 following Wyoming's final opening, though minor upgrades continued; the entire route was fully completed and operational by August 22, 1986, with the last non-tolled segment in near .

Geological and environmental aspects

The routing and construction of Interstate 80 were significantly influenced by geological surveys conducted in the mid-20th century, particularly those assessing seismic risks, avalanche hazards, and hydrological conditions across diverse terrains. In the Sierra Nevada region of , early evaluations highlighted fault lines and snow avalanche risks, informing alignments to minimize exposure to active seismic zones and unstable slopes, as evidenced by damage to bridges on I-80 during the 1966 Truckee earthquake. Similarly, in the of , assessments focused on near the Continental Divide, where erosion-prone sedimentary layers necessitated careful grading to prevent landslides. Hydrological studies in the , including USGS reports on the in , emphasized drainage patterns to avoid from salt crust dissolution, guiding the highway's path to preserve the flats' integrity while managing seasonal flooding. Construction faced notable geological challenges, including earthquakes in and , where the highway traverses the prone to fault ruptures and ground shaking, as simulated in seismic scenarios predicting closures and overpass damage along I-80. In Wyoming's Rockies and Pennsylvania's Appalachians, erosion of soft rock formations and retaining walls posed ongoing risks, exacerbated by heavy trucking and weathering, leading to interventions like reinforced barriers in the area. Mitigation efforts included over 18 kilometers of snow fences along Wyoming's I-80 to combat drifting snow and avalanches, reducing closures and improving safety in high-elevation sections. In Nebraska's prairies, wildlife crossings such as deer-proof fencing along I-80 have been implemented to address , minimizing vehicle collisions and supporting migration corridors. The (NEPA) of 1969 profoundly shaped I-80's development by mandating environmental impact statements for federally funded projects, leading to rerouting and mitigation in sensitive areas like Nebraska's construction phases to balance infrastructure with ecological preservation. Habitat disruptions were a key concern, with I-80 fragmenting wildlife ranges in and ; for instance, the highway severs migration paths for and , prompting overpass and underpass installations to restore connectivity. In urban segments through cities like Sacramento and , pollution controls were integrated, including noise barriers and vegetation buffers to reduce air emissions and particulate matter from heavy traffic, improving local air quality. Recent upgrades in the 2020s have emphasized climate resilience, particularly against flooding, with projects on I-80 in New Jersey addressing frequent inundation through elevated roadways and drainage improvements between mileposts 56 and 58. Unique environmental integrations include the preservation of Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats, where I-80's southern alignment avoids direct encroachment on the 30,000-acre site, supported by brine replenishment programs since 1998 to counteract shrinkage from groundwater extraction. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I-80's passage through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area incorporates scenic overlooks and erosion controls to harmonize transportation with the 67,000-acre protected landscape, established in 1965 for recreational and ecological value.

Auxiliary and business routes

Auxiliary Interstates

Interstate 80 has several auxiliary routes designated to provide bypasses, connectors, or spurs that support its transcontinental corridor by alleviating congestion, connecting to urban centers, or linking to other major interstates. These auxiliaries are fully controlled-access highways meeting Interstate standards and are signed with the distinctive featuring a from the parent route number. The primary auxiliaries include spurs and loops in various states, each serving specific regional transportation needs. I-180 in Nebraska is a short spur route providing direct access from I-80 to downtown Lincoln. Spanning 3.47 miles (5.58 km), it begins at the northern terminus with I-80 near exit 403 and heads south through Lincoln, concurrent with , ending at a junction with Nebraska Highway 2 near the University of Nebraska campus. This auxiliary facilitates urban travel and connects to local arterials, handling significant commuter traffic in the state capital. I-280 serves as a key bypass for the metropolitan area, spanning and . The 26.98-mile (43.42 km) auxiliary route starts at I-80 in , and arcs southward and eastward, avoiding the urban core of Davenport and Rock Island before rejoining I-80 near Colona, . It provides an efficient alternative for through traffic on I-80, reducing congestion in the crossing area, and overlaps briefly with I-74 for regional connectivity. This route supports freight movement across state lines in the industrial heartland. In , I-380 functions as a north-south connector linking I-80 in the to I-81 near Scranton. Measuring 28.3 miles (45.5 km), it begins at exit 293 on I-80 in Tobyhanna Township and proceeds northward through Monroe and Lackawanna counties, passing through rural and suburban areas before terminating at I-81 in Dunmore. The auxiliary enhances access to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre urban area from the main I-80 corridor, serving both passenger and truck traffic in . I-480 in Ohio forms a major loop around the southern and eastern suburbs of , closely paralleling I-80 () in segments. The 41.77-mile (67.22 km) route originates at I-80 in North Ridgeville and proceeds eastward, crossing the in Valley View on the notable Valley View Bridge, circles southward and eastward through and Streetsboro, briefly concurring with I-271, and returns to I-80 east of near Streetsboro. It bypasses the congested , providing relief for local and regional travel. This auxiliary is integral to the transportation network. I-580 in Nevada acts as an urban distributor in the Reno-Sparks area, connecting I-80 to southern Washoe County. The 35.05-mile (56.41 km) auxiliary begins at U.S. 50 in Carson City and extends northward concurrent with the alignment of U.S. Route 395 to I-80 exit 13 in Reno. It serves high-volume commuter and tourist traffic between Reno and Carson City, incorporating modern interchanges like the Moana West junction to improve flow in this growing region. Other short spurs associated with I-80 include the former I-80N in , which was a parallel northern route redesignated as I-84 in 1977 to clarify numbering and integrated into the national system for better continuity from to the state line. This change eliminated overlap confusion with the main I-80 and streamlined signage across the Mountain West.

Business loops and spurs

Interstate 80 features numerous loops and spurs designed to connect the main freeway with central districts, commercial areas, and historic road alignments in bypassed communities. These routes serve to maintain local and economic access, often utilizing surface streets or older highway paths that predate the Interstate system. By directing through traffic onto the high-speed bypass while preserving routes for short trips and deliveries, they support urban vitality without compromising the efficiency of long-distance travel. Many of these business routes trace the former alignments of or the , the early 20th-century transcontinental road that influenced I-80's path across the Plains and Rockies. This design choice allows them to integrate seamlessly with existing , providing continuity for local commerce and along the historic corridor. In the Midwest, where agricultural and economies rely on efficient links between rural areas and markets, these loops are particularly dense, with concentrations in , , and emphasizing farm-to-market connectivity. Over 20 business routes exist along I-80, spanning from to , though the majority are concentrated west of the . Representative examples include the Capital City Freeway in , which loops through the urban core; the route in , serving the state capital's downtown; the extended loop in , accommodating the state's largest city; the , alignment aiding regional distribution. The longest such route is the 15.7-mile loop in , while shorter spurs, like the 1.6-mile segment in Verdi, Nevada, provide targeted access. Some business routes have seen updates or partial decommissioning in recent years to reflect changing traffic patterns or infrastructure needs. For instance, portions of the Sacramento loop's western segment became unsigned in 2016, with signage shifted to U.S. 50, and ongoing projects in , integrated business access improvements as part of I-80 reconstructions between 2020 and 2022. These changes ensure continued relevance while adapting to modern demands, though a few older alignments have been fully retired post-2020 to streamline signing and maintenance.)
StateCityRoute TypeKey Features
SacramentoLoopFollows US 50 through downtown; known as Capital City Freeway for urban freeway access.
LoopParallels via East Lincolnway; serves commercial strip and .
LincolnLoopExtended alignment for state capital; supports university and government traffic.
Des MoinesLoopConnects metro interchanges to parks; aids in agricultural hub.

Lists and data

Exit list

The exit list for Interstate 80 is organized by state, with columns for milepost, exit number, locations, and destinations. This compilation focuses on principal interchanges, overlaps, rest areas, and weigh stations, reflecting updates such as Pennsylvania's mile-based exit numbering implemented in 2001 and maintained through 2025. Minor local exits are omitted for conciseness. For complete and current exit lists, refer to state department of transportation websites. This table highlights principal interchanges as of 2025.

California (Mileposts 0.0–205.1)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0—US 101 / I-280 (western terminus)
0.91BUS 101 north – Golden Gate Bridge
1.42A5th Street (left exit)
8.12COaklandI-580 east – Hayward/Stockton
33.233BI-80 Bus east – Hercules
65.365VallejoI-680 north – Concord, Sacramento
71.571American CanyonSR-29 – Napa
82.782VacavilleI-505 north – Winters, ; I-80 Bus east – Vacaville
92.092West SacramentoI-5 north – Redding; I-80 Bus west – West Sacramento
120.0120RosevilleAuburn-Folsom Road; I-80 Bus east – Roseville
139.0139AuburnI-80 Bus west – Auburn
155.0155TruckeeSR-89 north –
201.2203Farad
205.1—Sierra CountyNevada state line (eastern terminus)
185.0-TruckeeRest area (westbound)
Various-StatewideWeigh stations near Sacramento and Truckee (operational as needed)

Nevada (Mileposts 0.0–410.0)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0- state line (continuation of I-80)
2.01SR-425 – Verdi
13.013RenoUS 395 south – Carson City
15.015RenoSR-341 – Virginia City
42.042FernleyI-80 Alt east – Lovelock; US 50 Alt east
83.083LovelockSR-396 – Pershing County
166.0166WinnemuccaUS 95 south – Fallon
303.0303ElkoSR-225 – ,
410.0420West Wendover state line
1.0-Rest area (eastbound)
187.0-WinnemuccaWeigh station (eastbound)

Utah (Mileposts 0.0–197.5)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0- state line
3.03I-80 Bus west – ; SR-58 –
10.010SalduroTo SR-93
77.077TooeleSR-36 – Tooele
113.01139000 South
116.0116I-215 south – Murray
121.0121SR-201 east – West Valley City
115.0115I-15 north/south – Ogden/Brigham City/Provo (overlap begins/ends)
169.0169SR-39 – Ogden
197.5- state line (eastern terminus)
4.0-Port of entry/weigh station (eastbound)
99.0-Tooele CountyRest area (westbound)

Wyoming (Mileposts 0.0–402.0)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0-EvanstonUtah state line
6.06EvanstonWY 89 – Bear River
39.039LymanWY 413 – Urie
92.092Rock SpringsI-80 Bus west – Rock Springs
99.099Rock SpringsUS 191 north – Eden
144.0144WamsutterWamsutter Road
228.0228SinclairWY 257 – Rawlins
267.0267Elk MountainVedauwoo Road
310.0310LaramieWY 130 – Centennial
359.0359CheyenneI-25 south – Denver; US 85 – Fort Collins
402.0402Pine BluffsNebraska state line
6.0-EvanstonRest area (westbound)
228.0-SinclairRest area (eastbound); weigh station
312.0-LaramieRest area (westbound)

Nebraska (Mileposts 0.0–455.0)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0—Bushnell state line (western terminus in )
1.01Pine BluffsUS 30 – Cheyenne
102.0102SidneyUS 385 – Holyoke
199.0199North PlatteUS 83 – McCook
237.0237KearneyNE 44 – Grand Island
312.0312Grand IslandUS 281 –
379.0379LincolnI-80 Bus west – Lincoln
403.0403OmahaI-29 north – City
455.0455Council BluffsIowa state line
126.0-OgallalaRest area (eastbound)
190.0-LexingtonWeigh station (westbound)

Iowa (Mileposts 0.0–306.0)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0-Council Bluffs state line
1.01B-ACouncil BluffsI-29 north – Sioux City; US 6 – Council Bluffs
36.036AvocaUS 59 – Harlan
89.089Des MoinesI-35 north – Ames
123.0123West Des MoinesI-35/I-80 overlap ends; I-235 – Des Moines
142.0142NewtonIA 14 – Marshalltown
201.0201Iowa CityI-380 north – Cedar Rapids
244.0244DavenportI-74 east – Moline
306.0306 state line
21.0-NeolaRest area (westbound)
284.0-WalcottRest area (eastbound); weigh station

Illinois (Mileposts 0.0–163.0)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0- state line
1.01East MolineIL 84 –
18.018PrincetonIL 26 – Dixon
76.076JolietI-55 south – Bloomington
105.0105New LenoxI-355 toll –
125.0125LansingI-94 –
163.0—Hammond area state line (I-80/I-94 overlap begins near )
78.0-MinookaRest area (westbound)

Indiana (Mileposts 0.0–167.0; overlaps I-80/I-90)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0- state lineI-80/I-94/I-90 overlap from
17.017GaryI-65 south –
22.022GaryUS 12/US 20 –
56.056South BendUS 31 – Plymouth
107.0107I-69 north – Fort Wayne
141.0141 state lineI-80/I-90 overlap continues
167.0-Toledo area state line
49.0-Lake StationRest area (eastbound)

Ohio (Mileposts 0.0–237.0; overlaps I-80/I-90/)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0- state lineI-80/I-90 overlap from
3.03BoardmanOH 7 – Youngstown
16.016North JacksonI-76 toll east –
65.065StreetsboroI-480 –
187.0187ElyriaOH 57 – Lorain
218.0218I-71 south – Columbus
237.0237 state lineI-80 continuation (I-90 ends at I-271)
71.0-Boston HeightsService plaza (eastbound)
139.0-WadsworthService plaza (westbound)

Pennsylvania (Mileposts 0.0–444.0; mile-based numbering)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0-Ohio state lineI-80 continuation from
1.01New GalileePA 351 – Koppel
29.029Grove CityI-376 east –
111.0111ClarionPA 68 – Clarion
178.0178BellefonteI-99/US 220 south – State College
242.0242BloomsburgUS 11 – Berwick
274.0274Mount PoconoPA 940 – Wilkes-Barre
310.0310I-80 east to I-95 (eastern terminus in PA)
444.0-Stroudsburg state line
219.0-DanvilleRest area (eastbound)
15.0-Mercer CountyWeigh station (westbound)

New Jersey (Mileposts 0.0–68.0; mile-based numbering)

MilepostExit NumberLocationsDestinations
0.0-Pennsylvania state line
1.01KnowltonUS 46 – ; NJ 94 – Newton
12.012HopatcongUS 206 – Stanhope
25.025WhartonNJ 15 –
34.034ParsippanyI-287 south – Morristown
47.047Montclair – New York
57.057A-BTeaneckI-95/US 1/US 9 – (eastern terminus)
68.0-TeaneckEnd at I-95
4.0-KnowltonWeigh station (eastbound)

Mileage by state

Interstate 80 traverses 11 states, with its mileage distribution reflecting the route's transcontinental scope from California's Bay Area to New Jersey's crossings. The highway's lengths vary significantly by state, with containing the longest portion due to its central plains alignment. (AADT) volumes differ markedly, peaking in densely populated regions such as near , where segments exceed 200,000 vehicles per day, compared to rural stretches in averaging around 13,800. Pavement condition ratings, assessed via metrics like the (IRI) and cracking percentage under FHWA guidelines, generally show most Interstate 80 segments in good or fair condition as of 2023 data, though ongoing reconstruction projects address localized deterioration in high-traffic areas. By 2025, more than 50 public EV charging stations, primarily DC fast chargers, have been installed along the corridor to facilitate travel, supported by federal NEVI funding. Maintenance duties, including snow removal, resurfacing, and bridge inspections, are managed by respective state departments of transportation; for instance, Caltrans handles Sierra Nevada winter operations in , while WYDOT oversees remote segments prone to . The following table summarizes key data per state based on FHWA and state DOT reports as of 2024-2025, focusing on total mileage, representative AADT (averaged or peak where noted), and interstate pavement condition percentage in good repair (national system averages applied where route-specific data is aggregated). Variations highlight highest traffic in and (150,000-300,000 vehicles/day) and lowest in and (under 20,000).
StateMileage (miles)Representative AADT (vehicles/day)Pavement Condition (% Good, Interstate System)
20550,000-150,000 (urban/rural mix)85%
410<20,000 (rural)82%
19720,000-40,00088%
40213,800 (system average)80%
45610,000-30,00090%
30620,000-60,00087%
163200,000+ (Chicago area)84%
15550,000-100,00086%
23840,000-80,00083%
44430,000-70,00081%
68150,000-300,000 (urban)79%
Mileage figures derived from route alignments; AADT examples from state monitoring sites; pavement ratings from FHWA national interstate aggregates, with state-specific trends showing improvements via recent resurfacing.

References

  1. https://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/highways/interstate80-map.html
  2. http://www.ihoz.com/I80.html
  3. https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/census/traffic-volumes
  4. https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/network-overview/highway-system/maps/average-annual-daily-traffic.html
  5. https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-080/
  6. https://sierramountainpasses.com/listings/donner-summit/
  7. https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls
  8. https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=80
  9. http://www.nvroads.com/
  10. https://www.udottraffic.utah.gov/
  11. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-080-nv
  12. https://travelnevada.com/road-trips/cowboy-corridor/
  13. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/infrastructure/ismt/state_maps/states/pdf/phfn_tables/nv_nevada_phfs.pdf
  14. https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonneville-salt-flats
  15. https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/bonneville-salt-flats
  16. https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter4/72-4-S207.html
  17. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-080-ut
  18. https://utahrails.net/highways-interstate-80.php
  19. https://lincolnhighwayguide.com/category/utah/
  20. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop20060/ch4.htm
  21. https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=WY
  22. https://sheridanmedia.com/cowboy-state-daily/31927/longest-and-worst-stretch-of-interstate-in-u-s-turns-50/
  23. https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/02/04/wyoming-one-of-few-states-with-its-own-crack-winter-science-team/
  24. https://www.wyoroad.info/
  25. https://migrationinitiative.org/projects/interstate-80-wildlife-barrier-projects/
  26. https://www.i25i80.com/
  27. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-080-ne
  28. http://www.nebraskatransportation.org/i-80-anniv/index.htm
  29. https://history.nebraska.gov/publications_section/i-80-150-years-old/
  30. http://dot.nebraska.gov/media/3vtpv45f/ndot_piassist_factsheets_speedlimits.pdf
  31. https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/9945-i80-nebraska-%25E2%2580%2593-a-trucker%25E2%2580%2599s-challenge.html
  32. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-080-ia
  33. https://iowadot.gov/media/3277/download?inline=
  34. https://www.weather.gov/dmx/StormyandWindyWednesdayDecember152021
  35. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/02/10-things-highway-study-iowa/79700098/
  36. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/general-highway-history/lincoln-highway
  37. https://www.in.gov/indot/current-programs/indiana-toll-bridges-and-roads/
  38. https://www.ussteel.com/about-us/locations
  39. https://www3.nd.edu/~pkamat/transportation.html
  40. https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/elkhartcounty/2019_GroupExperiences_and_Itineraries_web_10f36e68-6f60-4a7f-90da-e831b41fa5ef.pdf
  41. https://www.britannica.com/place/Rust-Belt
  42. https://secure.in.gov/indot/about-indot/central-office/asset-data-collection/indiana-road-system-facts/
  43. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/value_capture/case_studies/indiana_toll_road.aspx
  44. https://i80exitguide.com/i-80-road-trips/driving-ohios-i-80-an-essential-overview/
  45. https://www.ohioturnpike.org/travelers/turnpike-map
  46. https://www.ohioturnpike.org/travelers/service-plazas
  47. https://www.clevelandfed.org/publications/economic-commentary/2013/ec-201306-urban-decline-in-rust-belt-cities
  48. https://www.mapquest.com/us/ohio/dow-chemical-408099731
  49. https://www.ohioturnpike.org/docs/default-source/engineering/interchange-list-2018-08-07.pdf?sfvrsn=2
  50. https://midamericafreight.org/index.php/rfs/network-inventory/corridors/profiles/i-80/
  51. https://www.portofcleveland.com/maritime-logistics/facilities/
  52. https://gis.penndot.pa.gov/BPR_PDF_FILES/Documents/Traffic/Highway_Statistics/Annual_Report/2024/2023_Pub_600.pdf
  53. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-080-pa
  54. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-1-projects/interstate-80-reconstruction-projects
  55. https://www.pahighways.com/interstates/I80.html
  56. https://www.pahighways.com/exits/I80exits.html
  57. https://centrehistory.org/article/interstate-80/
  58. https://pawilds.com/landscape/i-80-frontier/
  59. https://www.roadtripusa.com/appalachian-trail/pennsylvania/delaware-water-gap-poconos/
  60. https://i80exitguide.com/i-80-road-trips/driving-pennsylvanias-i-80-an-essential-overview/
  61. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/works/rockfall/faq.shtm
  62. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/freight/plan/pdf/NewJerseyStatewideFreightPlancompressed2023.pdf
  63. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/works/njchoices/reports/lrp/plan2025.pdf
  64. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01389010/
  65. https://www.northjersey.com/picture-gallery/news/transportation/2025/04/03/route-80-nj-history-photos/82783475007/
  66. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/works/rockfall/conditions.shtm
  67. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/general-highway-history/rambler/ask-rambler-was-lincoln-highway-first
  68. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/national-interstate-and-defense-highways-act
  69. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/interstate-system/50th-anniversary/greatest-decade-1956-1966-part-1-essential
  70. https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/lincoln-highway-wyoming
  71. https://www.dot.ny.gov/portal/page/portal/content/admin/i50anniversary/repository/interstate-overview.pdf
  72. https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/95th-congress-1977-1978/reports/78-cbo-020.pdf
  73. https://ejournals.sierracollege.edu/jscnhm/v2n1/gallery2.html
  74. https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/snow-chi-minh-trail-dont-blame-lady-bird-johnson
  75. https://www.ohioturnpike.org/about-us/history
  76. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/highwayhistory/data/page03.cfm
  77. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir537
  78. https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1508/report.pdf
  79. https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1585/report.pdf
  80. https://nbmg.unr.edu/_docs/Newsletters/nl30.htm
  81. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/resources/publications/tech_briefs/cs101.htm
  82. https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/midwest/2018/11/20/287927.htm
  83. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/general-highway-history/addressing-quiet-crisis-origins-national-environmental-3
  84. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/district-3/documents/i80yoloproject/2_environment_508.pdf
  85. https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sciencematters/living-close-roadways-health-concerns-and-mitigation-strategies_.html
  86. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/asset/pubs/hif23010.pdf
  87. https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2019/02/17/now-theres-m-plan-save/
  88. https://www.nps.gov/dewa/getinvolved/upload/DEWA_FD_2014_508_compliant.pdf
  89. http://www.nebraskaroads.com/roads/iroutes/i180.html
  90. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-180-ne
  91. https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-280-quad-cities/
  92. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-380-pa
  93. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-480-oh
  94. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-580-nv
  95. https://utahrails.net/highways-interstate-80n-84.php
  96. https://www.interstate-guide.com/business/
  97. https://www.interstate-guide.com/business/ir-080/
  98. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-080b-west-reno-sparks-nv
  99. https://www.dot.nv.gov/projects-programs/transportation-projects/i-80-west-reno-improvements-west-mccarran-blvd-to-keystone-ave
  100. https://www.aaroads.com/west/bl-080g_wy.html
  101. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/safety-programs/documents/exit/f0017912-80.pdf
  102. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/district-2/2024/penndot-announces-start-date-for-i-80-preservation-project.html
  103. https://www.dot.nv.gov/travel-info/maps/state-maps
  104. http://epubs.nsla.nv.gov/statepubs/epubs/211716-2016Jan.pdf
  105. https://digitaldelivery.udot.utah.gov/datasets/uplan::freeway-exit-locations/explore
  106. https://trucksmart.udot.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Motor_Carriers_I-80_Parking.pdf
  107. https://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults?SelectedRoute=I80
  108. https://iowadot.gov/modes-travel/roads-highways/maintenance/rest-areas
  109. https://idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/roadway-information/rest-areas-and-welcome-centers.html
  110. https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/working/permits/special-hauling-permits/travel-info/ohio-weigh-stations-scales
  111. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2023/hm37.cfm
  112. https://wyoleg.gov/InterimCommittee/2023/08-2023052511-01WYDOTTalkingPointsI-80.pdf
  113. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tpm/reporting/national/interstate_pavement_condition.cfm
  114. https://fortune.com/2025/11/01/ev-fast-charging-stations-range-anxiety-electric-vehicles/
  115. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2023/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.