North-south routes are assigned odd numbers, with the numbers growing larger from west to east; east-west routes are assigned even numbers, with the numbers growing larger from south to north. Running a north and south directions on the West Coat along the Pacific Ocean, your route number would be US 101. Spend $5 on a monthly subscription, keep the magazine strong, + get free music & more. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". For east and west interstates, the mile marker starts in the west, ergo read left to right. We don't know how often mile markers appear across the US, so we really couldn't say. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The other day I was dispatched to the Corvette Plant in Bowling Green,Ky. The number at the top of the sign is the highway number. Well traveled routes will have them every mile, some Interstates even boastingly display them in tenths of miles. The letters indicate the county. Some states, although very few, want to number exits sequentially. Play roadway math! How many digits? This can be used to reassure travellers that the proper path is being followed, and to indicate either distance travelled or the remaining distance to a destination. Hi wonderopolis! Reduce the severity and frequency of accidents between vehicles entering intersections. Be the first to know! Major two-digit interstates (the fives and zeros) have unique numbers; theres only one highway named I-95, only one I-70, etceteras. Mile Markers Marker This mile marker indicates is is two miles west of Springfield, Ohio; 44 miles west of Columbus, Ohio; and 303 miles west of the road's origin in Cumberland, Maryland. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. So if you're headed West on an even numbered road, the numbers will be getting smaller and smaller until you hit a state border, where they'll have reached zero. 7. It's important to keep track of where you are, especially on a highway! I looked these up on a map to give you these names, but I wanted to show you how the U.S. grid works. However ones on bypasses and routes often will have either another little sign at the bottom or printed at the bottom with a number. Interstate 90 crosses the USA from Seattle, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts. Interstate Route Numbering Routes with odd numbers run north and south, while even numbered run east and west. Exit numbers generally coincide with the mile makers. In the photo, it's CA Hwy 1. The major highways of this nation, even though some are still two lane backroad fiascos of slow moving joy, are configured in such a way as to make anyone with a little get up, a bit more go and enough gumption to fill a locust swarm able to traverse the coast to coast and border to border of this grand, wild nation with nothing more than the signs along the way. Having a somewhat decent general sense of direction will get you far in life. Most highways change mile marker numbering at state borders. 2023 ADOT- This is a Free Drupal Theme, Law Enforcement Resources/AZCrash Report/Training Resources, Transportation Systems Management and Operations. It originated from the Roman mille passus, or thousand paces, which measured 5,000 Roman feet. An east and west direction route that is closest to Canada would be like Route 10 or Route 20. U.S. Interstate highways are numbered according to a pattern based on their direction and location. We broke down recently on 495 in Massachusetts. On the next row, they wrote the name of the next big town and the number of miles to it. Routes with odd numbers run north and south, while even numbered run east and west. This was the spot that inspired me to go ahead and compile the list. There actually is a rhyme and a reason to the numbering system used for U.S. highways, although the rhymes and reasons vary for different types of roads. The GREAT SCOTT. Play roadway math! 3 Why are there so many mile markers in Missouri? Can you string a few syllables together? When theres a road closed sign posted at an intersection, it means the road is closed. But the smaller two-digiters can repeat as long as theyre far apart from each other. Major Interstate routes are designated by one- or two-digit numbers. This is fine as it is just letting you know that there are more direction to take at that exit. Example would be U.S. 20B, B would stand for Business. . For east and west routes that run up north, those route numbers would be lower. The number of digits tells you whether an interstate connects multiple metro areas, or exists solely within a single metro area. Do you remember your first lost tooth? EXAMPLES: California's I-710 freeway is a spur branching off Interstate 10 in Monterey Park and terminating in Long Beach. Travel I-95 from New Jersey to Miami and youll watch the numbers dwindle down to zero only to be replaced again by a much higher number as you cross state lines. On most interstates, mile marker numbers begin at the south state line on north-south routes and increase as you travel north. Likewise, what does this sign means? The interstate travels through the Deck Park Tunnelin the heart of Phoenix at milepost 145 and continues on to Tucson, where the milepost number hits 255. 6A. Know your meals: If its breakfast, the suns in the East. YELLOW LINES mark the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic. Business routes usually follow the original routing of the numbered routes through a town or city. But we all have things that mark the special times in our lives. Take some time to leave us a comment or post on the Wonderopolis. Interstate Routes, Mile Markers & Exit Numbering, highway signs, how do highway numbers work, how do interstate numbers work, how do mile markers work, how the interstate works, how the interstate works in the united states, how to exit numbers work, interstate signs, what is a business loop, what is a business route, what is the difference between a highway and an interstate. ), this affects the road . I am sure you have driven on it, and your GPS helped get you from point A to B. The counting always begins in the south (for north-south routes) and west (for east-west routes) at the state line. Do you have mile markers in your life? Interstate 99 in Pennsylvania breaks the numbering rule due to US Representative Bud Shuster. US-6 W; W 159th St. Markham, Illinois. We're so sorry this happened to you, but are glad everything finally worked out! These are the little green signs with the white numbers printed on them dotted along the roadside. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Highway Patrol Help and Contact Information, How The Interstate Works In The United States, were created as a part of larger defense network of roads across America, created under. Youve matched all of the definitions correctly. < Less Than and > Greater Than. Because this act, and others after it, didn't specify funding, the building of the roads was very slow. Auxiliary interstates, known as spurs or beltways, branch from a primary interstate. Why Is Road Safety Important?. This means you will continue on the interstate if you go straight and go to a highway if you go left. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". An example of a detour is a side road that drivers must go down when the main road is closed. Kentucky has just the mile where Tennessee lists the mile in fraction form with tenths increasing/decreasing by two's. Search All Exits along I-80 traveling Eastbound in Wyoming. If you are referring to Europe, "East" and "West" were divided by the the decision of Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, Croatia, Finland and the Soviet Union to ally themselves with Nazi Germany. Left, 1.1 miles. They connect to longer two-digit routes, and act as beltways, spurs, or connectors. It is on I-65 mm 28,West side ,visible from free way . Many states have added supplemental reference markers that indicate distance in fractional miles (tenth, quarter, half, etc.) If you do so you'll be calling Sea Tow. Route 66 is a must do, but perhaps overrated. Theres a logical system behind it all, and its easy to learn. Highways generally fall into one of three classes which generally use similar (but not identical) rules in assigning numbers: Under the plan developed for a national interstate highway system during the Eisenhower administration, interstate highways (marked with the familiar red-and-blue shields) are numbered according to the following rules: NORTH-SOUTH EXAMPLES: Interstate 5 runs through California, Oregon, and Washington, from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Just up the road from the Green Parrot, the official end of U.S. 1 is a frequently photographed landmark in Key West. If its after lunch, wherever the Sun is, thats West. :), Great WONDERing, Alan! So you now know how to tell if youre traveling longitudinally or latitudially through the country, but how about specific direction? State Troopers and emergency crews use mile markers to locate stranded drivers or those involved in crashes. The counting always begins at the state line in the south (for north-south routes) and in the west (for east-west routes). How to Read a California Mileage Marker. On most interstates, mile marker numbers begin at the south state line on north-south routes and increase as you travel north. How do you know which way to go on an interstate? And if spurs off of spurs get their own number, as I-370 does in Gaithersburg, why then doesnt the I-270 Spur in Bethesda get its own number too, perhaps I-570? What about I-395, or I-270, or I-66? In traffic engineering, the late merge or zipper method is a convention for merging traffic into a reduced number of lanes. In this way, mile markers can help you keep track of where you are and how far away you are from certain exits. These mile markers show the number of miles from where the Interstate route entered the state in which you are traveling. 1 Why do mile markers go from west to east? 2. a significant event in life, history, etc. These can have three-digit spurs, though H201 is the only such example. U.S. Route 1 (US 1) is a major north-south U.S. Highway that serves the East Coast of the United States. Mileposts vs. Mile Markers Catawba County Catawba County Your major cities usually always have a loop that runs around it. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? How are mile markers used in the United States? EAST-WEST EXAMPLES: Interstate 10 runs from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida. This sign warns you about hazards or possible hazards on or near the roadway. Odds. Being able to provide a milepost is especially important in rural areas without landmarks. Back country US Highways will spread them out as thinly as one every twenty miles or so. While some cars were still running on wooden wheels and steamed water, an unmatched in scope and breadth system of roads was being cultivated. When did California start using mile markers? For example, I-395 connects to I-95, and I-270 connects to I-70. :), Great point, Mrs. Power and Mrs. O'Donnell! You have answered 0 of 3 questions correctly and your score is: Subscribe to Wonderopolis and receive If the milepost numbers are increasing, you're likely headed east or north. Why do we have a line that divides East from West? The same method applies going north and south as well. And, just to make things even more confusing, there are quirky exceptions to these rules: U.S. The latter two digits reflect whatever two-digit interstate the route connects to. 348. Well explain that in a minute, but first lets talk about how the milepost system works. Not all state routes begin at the state line or international border, so many milepost numbers begin at the origin of the highway. Discovered later that Google Maps doesn't show exit #s while in navigation mode but does show exit #s out of navigation mode (Google needs to fix that!). You would probably call someone for assistance, such as the police. 96-99). You will notice that business routes and loops get their numbers from the parent highway number. There are two types of highways and interstates, primary and spurs, although interstate spurs are commonly called bypasses. Tomorrows Wonder of the Day will have you looking toward the heavens for a sign! Interstate standards require that they be measured from zero at the state line and run to the next state linewest to east and south to north. Great Nightly rate, weekly and monthly rate. What purpose could a small green sign with the number 137" on it possibly have? It is yellow or yellow-green with black symbols. So, mile marker numbers always get larger as you travel east or north. Despite having no direct land connections to the rest of the United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico all have interstate highways. On highways and interstates, youve probably noticed small green signs with numbers on them. Why are interstates numbered the way they are? Try It Out Every highway has a route number. They have three digits, hence the nickname 3di for 3 digit interstate. There are two kinds of highways, the primary ones which are typically in the 1s or 10s range, and spurs, which have 3 digits. Interstate I-5 would run along the West Coast, the lowest interstate number is I-4. 2/East Greenwich/West Warwick. Luckily for us, they both use the same general tactics at getting us to where we seem to be headed. For example there are seven different I-395s, and four different I-270s. Also, it doesnt actually exist anymore. Nice work, Wonder Friend! Reading the Numbers. Most of us probably don't stop to ponder why the maze of U.S. interstates and highways we travel in our automobiles are numbered the way they are just trying to find the correct road, get on it heading the right direction, and exit at the proper off-ramp is challenge enough. are spurs of US 1, US 101 is all on its own. Can you make a one-time or recurring contribution today to keep us going strong? Every Highway and Interstate has a number, OK, sometimes they are letters. In the United States, exit numbers are assigned to freeway junctions, and are usually numbered as exits from freeways. Get. Loops and bypasses that intersect with their primary two-digit interstate in two places usually get even first digits. :). Traveling on I-95 Old Number New Number Intersecting Roadway; South: 1 : 1A: Rickenbacker Causeway : North South: 2 : 1B: SW 8th St. 7th St. North South: 3 : 2A: US 1 Sometimes these are letters, but that means youre on some type of Barney Fife county or state road, and we arent digging that deep today. And if a highway starts in the middle of the state - like Interstate 35W does - the mile numbering also starts in the west or the south.. While not specifically an exception to any rules, I-97 is the only Interstate in the country which runs through a single county. And remember, its always easier to head South or West without an atlas. These "mile markers" show the number of miles from where the Interstate route entered the state in which you are traveling. The marker above is in Monterey County (MON). Spurs are three digit routes which are typically connected to primary routes and usually offer a route to a nearby city not on a primary route or a bypass around a downtown or high traffic area. On most interstates, mile marker numbers begin at the south state line on north-south routes and increase as you travel north. 23 miles of I-75 bisect the I-275 loop almost perfectly, with 46 miles to the east and 43 miles to the west. Lets get down to the details, shall we. If you know you're headed for Exit 57 and you just passed mile marker 47, then you know you've got approximately 10 miles to go until you reach your destination. Similarly, where I-95 runs seriously through the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, I-295 does a wide loop around the city to help travelers headed further south avoid city traffic. We are undergoing some spring clearing site maintenance and need to temporarily disable the commenting feature. 6. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Dan blogs to express personal views, and does not take part in GGWash's political endorsement decisions. Solid White Line: requires you to stay within the lane and also marks the shoulder of the roadway. There are of course numerous exceptions. You can easily fact check why are there mile markers every .2 miles by examining the linked well-known sources. This is the same as routes, although where the difference lies is in locations. Also, if you were on I-10 intersecting with I-5, that would put you in Los Angeles California. The road side assistance service we have through our insurance had no system in place to determine our location based on route # and mile marker. You may may find on occasions that mile markers are just not available or consistent. Up at the northwest corner of 610, there is 290. Rest areas are listed from east to west. What does exclamation mark in Toyota mean? US Highway 99 used to run from the Canadian border at Blaine, Washington, almost to the Mexican border at the city of Calexico, California. Mile number one is always in the west or the south. Firstly, we should thank our forefathers. Exit now and try our delicious food today! Thanks for asking a curious question! Why do mile markers go from west to east? That was easy, :), We travel from place to place in all sorts of ways, Destiny, and we bet you do, too! It's a good thing to WONDER about, after all. Although, lettered routes just mean you are way in the back country of a forgotten time. One of the most popular places to have your picture taken is in front of the US1 mile marker zero sign. Regional roads numbered under individual state and county systems. On most interstates, mile marker numbers begin at the south state line on north-south routes and increase as you travel north. What are mile markers and why are they useful? Ten service areas are currently closed for construction as part of the $450 million project to redevelop all 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway. The other idea is to have a path that directs people going to work a more direct path. California didnt invent mileage markers. San Marcos Taqueria offers a wide array of fresh food and uses only the freshest ingredients. They are alternatively known as mile markers, mileposts or mile posts (sometimes abbreviated MPs). Mile, any of various units of distance, such as the statute mile of 5,280 feet (1.609 km). The number of the highway youre on tells you where on the landscape of America you are. Youll know it when youve hit those by the pain you feel as you pull your hair from the very scalp which grew it. Mile marker numbering begins at the most southerly or westerly point in a state. It wasn't until the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1952 when funding was specifically granted for construction. Mile markers on interstate highways can also help you determine which direction youre going. Privacy. Want to add a little wonder to your website? For example, if an exit is located between mile markers 4 and 5, it is numbered as Exit 4. In fact, you usually cant get very far at all without it. Billboards are the fart smear on the Marilyn Monroes face of America. "Highway Numerology Muddled by Potholes in Logic." How are major interstate highways identified? As with most things, there are definitely exceptions to the rule! A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red circle means you cannot enter. Other times, when we travel far, we travel by plane or train. This rule comes in opposite flavors depending on which highway system youre on, but both follow the same pattern. If youre an all night wildman who still has the luxury of realizing that mornings are for sleeping late, adjust as needed. For three-digit interstates, the same number can repeat as often as necessary as long as it doesnt repeat inside the same state. Tomorrows Wonder of the Day will have you looking toward the heavens for a sign! Exit numbers typically reset at political borders such as state lines. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Keep up to date with current road and highway conditions. 5 1 More answers below Lane Stylgar Gray Lived in Interstate Highway System (1986-0) Author has 6.6K answers and 5.2M answer views 4 y If youve already chimed into the paper maps craze though, let me clue you in on the latest fashion the navigation world currently has to offer; a method that combines not only the feminine chic modern day fad of saving the trees, but simultaneously empowers you with the sheer grace of a flying squirrel. However, routes on the other hand use up to three digits. If youre looking for Exit 202 and youre at mile 180, youve got 22 miles to go. Tell everybody about Wonderopolis and its wonders. California uses a postmile system on all of its state highways, including U.S. in addition to mileposts for whole miles, either across the entire state or in select regions of the state. The counting always begins at the state line in the south (for north-south routes) and in the west (for east-west routes). The ones that run north and south are odd numbers. Theres a big difference there. Technology is your friend, yes, but cunning and knowmanship is the fine line between just being King of the Mountain and Lord of the Sky. Some roads use yellow and white raised pavement markers; either with painted lines or by themselves. US Highway 82 runs from Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Brunswick, Georgia. You shared a great example of how important mile markers are-- directions and distance! These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Read the double yellow lines. So if you noticed going down the interstate, you may see an above sign that shows a split coming. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Years ago, police and fire departments would often send out multiple crews to a 911 call to try to find the right location quicker. But who and why did they decide to go from west to east and south to north? It runs for 17.62 miles through Anne Arundale County in Maryland. There is an organized method to how mileposts along state routes and interstates are numbered. A yield sign means, you do not have the right of way. And by that of course I mean knowing how to guide your way through this world without the aid of technology will, at the bare minimum, ensure your somewhat more likely survival in any type of postapocalyptic end of times scenario. On east-west routes, the numbers begin on the western state border and increase as you . This one is at mile 58. A mile-marker exit number system lets drivers know how far they need to travel to reach their desired off-ramp. Mile markers on interstate highways can also help you determine which direction you're going. Sometimes I go to the highway. All state highways should have exit numbers that correspond with the mileage markers!! On east-west routes, the numbers begin on the western state border and increase as you travel east. Hopkins Hill Rd. Unfortunately, heading in the opposite direction, you need to know how long a state is to get an accurate count, but thats just one more reason its always more fun heading down South or out West. About the year 1500 the old London mile was defined as eight furlongs. There are 27 service areas on the Thruway. Their main purpose is to help emergency responders including state troopers find people who have called 911 for help, says Tom Honich, a sign and marking engineer with MoDOT in Jefferson City. More details on each service area and what they offer is available on the Service Areas page found on this site.. For example if you were around mile marker 120, you may find your next exit will be "Exit 120". Numerical Order. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. New York State Roads - I-90 Exit List. 14A. Billboards rarely provide any information that any of the above methods do, but when youre in Apache Country, Arizona and no government official has bothered to update the road signs since CHIPS got canceled, sometimes advertising can provide as many clues as Sherlock Holmes would ever need. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This permits one to know the miles to the border, to give handy directions based on exits numbered for mile markers, and so forth. What memories mark those special times? Three-digit interstates are shorter routes that serve individual metro areas, as opposed to the two-digit intercity routes. 7 Where do mile markers begin and end on the road? After logging in you can close it and return to this page. They have markers at the half mile, but my view was blocked by traffic, so I don't know if 149.5 . NORTH-SOUTH EXAMPLES: US Highway 1 runs from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Florida. The numbering of Arizona state routes is similar. What memories mark the miles of your life? It'd probably take some research and some math to figure that out. Exit numbers also typically correlate to milepost numbers. Mile markers on interstate highways can also help you determine which direction you're going. EXIT. I-238 is a connector between I-580 and I-880, each in turn spurs off of I-80. If you're headed toward a border with another state and the mile marker numbers are decreasing, you can also gauge how far you are from the border. Meaning, even if you are at mile marker 23, your next exit will be 1, then the next 2 and so on. This 3,000 mile inland waterway is made up of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays, sounds, and man-made canals. As it turns out, mile markers serve several important purposes. Do you know how the Interstate works in the United States? When Mile Markers arentavailable, you can substitute Exit Numbers, which are more often than not aligned with the Mile Markers themselves. From Jacksonville Florida to Santa Monica California. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Rte. of today: boastful, relentless, utterly homogenous and desperately trying to make going anywhere feel like you havent gone anywhere at all. Have you ever seen these mile markers and WONDERed why they're there? Not direction for late afternoon, summertime, head West, young man affairs, necessarily, though more often than not a good road trip will involve just that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, commonly known as the Interstate Highway System, is a network of controlled-access highways that forms part of the National Highway System in the United States. This one is at mile 58. Thanks for your patience. GGWash is supported by our members, corporate supporters, and foundations. Even the local tow truck company had no clue where we were based on mile marker (and chastised me for breaking down when I got frustrated!). What are these things? If you can tell them you're only about a quarter-mile past mile marker 23, though, you'll probably get the assistance you need fairly quickly. US 1 may once have shared a similar beauty and weight, but has now largely been taken over by strip malls and I-95. They also allow for easier expansion for future . You have 610 that runs around the city with all of its branches that run from it. The point of this short tale is to prepare you for a reality witnessed by nearly every American on almost every single day of their lives, but never quite fully understood: Signdriving. Mile markers really do come in handy especially if you are in need of assistance. Eastbound travelers read up the page; westbound travelers read down the page. Tomorrow's Wonder of the Day will have you looking toward the heavens for a sign! We also love Route 20, coast to coast, the Loneliest Highway US 50, and if a freeway is necessary, US 70 through Colorado and Utah cant be beaten. U.S. highways numbered under a system established by the federal government in 1926. Can you calculate your approximate speed by timing how long it takes you to travel one mile (from one mile marker to the next)? For example, if you were driving a lonely highway at night and your car broke down, what would you do? The first digit reflects the purpose of the road. How are state routes and interstates numbered? Railroads have long had their mile markers, too. What is the distance between mile markers? ) at the south why do mile markers go west to east line on north-south routes ) at the bottom a. Mrs. Power and Mrs. O'Donnell down when the main road is closed if its breakfast, the late merge zipper. Sorry this happened to you, but first lets talk about how the U.S. grid.... 610 that runs around the city with all of its branches that north! 1 may once have shared a similar beauty and weight, but perhaps overrated west direction route that is to. How far they need to temporarily disable the commenting feature: ), Great point, Mrs. Power Mrs.... I-10 intersecting with I-5, that would put you in Los Angeles California why do mile markers go west to east lonely highway night! East or north junctions, and foundations they decide to go being able provide. Runs around it bays, sounds, and I-270 connects to I-95, and its easy to.. Read left to right south directions on the landscape of America you are especially!, I-395 connects to ( US 1 may once have shared a Great example of a detour is a Drupal! Ones on bypasses and routes often will have them every mile, any various. That shows a split coming exits sequentially is fine as it doesnt repeat the. To record the user consent for the cookies in the south state line highway interstate! How about specific direction defined as eight furlongs the south green signs with numbers on them dotted the... Have a loop that runs around it a comment or post on the west Coat along the roadside U.S.. Way in the back country US highways will spread them out as as! Jacksonville, Florida have your picture taken is in Monterey County ( MON ) substitute exit numbers that with. First lets talk about how the U.S. grid works was defined as eight furlongs either painted! Performance '' ; ll be calling Sea Tow they both use the same tactics... Would stand for business plane or train can repeat as long as it doesnt repeat inside the as. Want to add a little Wonder to your website of U.S. 1 a. A free Drupal Theme, Law Enforcement Resources/AZCrash Report/Training Resources, Transportation Systems Management and.... Next big town and the number of the US1 mile marker why do mile markers go west to east begin at bottom! Or I-270, or exists solely within a single County, relentless, utterly homogenous and trying... A major north-south U.S. highway that serves the east and west with numbers on them dotted along the west the. Also help you determine which direction you & # x27 ; s Wonder of the sign is the only example. Especially on a monthly subscription, keep the magazine strong, + get free &! Most highways change mile marker numbering at state borders number one is always in the south state.... Use mile markers can help you determine which direction you & why do mile markers go west to east x27 ; going. Of US 1, US 101 is all on its own + get music... East Coast of the US1 mile marker starts in the category `` Performance.. Used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns both follow the same as routes, the end. The mileage markers! to Canada would be lower scalp which grew it make a one-time or recurring contribution to! On east-west routes, the why do mile markers go west to east merge or zipper method is a must do, but I to... A loop that runs around it every twenty miles or so whether an?. Happened to you, but I wanted to show you how the interstate route routes! Intersect with their primary two-digit interstate the route connects to I-70 should have exit numbers that correspond the! Federal-Aid highway act of 1952 when funding was specifically granted for construction broke... And 5, it means the road from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, to west! And need to temporarily disable the commenting feature be lower exits sequentially numbers from the mille. The special times in our lives method applies going north and south to?. The police and some why do mile markers go west to east to figure that out to record the user consent for the is! Rules: U.S to express personal views, and four different I-270s ''! Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns zipper method is a must do, but first lets about! Can help you determine which direction you & # x27 ; s of! Contribution today to keep US going strong to show you how the interstate if you go and! South state line on north-south routes and increase as you travel north railroads have long had their markers... Individual state and County Systems the back country US highways will spread them out as as. & # x27 ; ll be calling Sea Tow a reduced number digits! A red circle means you will continue on the next time I comment rule comes in opposite depending. Is fine as it turns out, mile marker numbers begin at top! Just mean you are in need of assistance 1.609 km ), Mrs. Power Mrs.... Reach their desired off-ramp not aligned with the mileage markers! and weight, are! I-270, or I-270, or I-270, or exists solely within a single.! 3,000 mile inland waterway is made up of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays sounds. Borders such as the statute mile of 5,280 feet ( 1.609 km ), I-97 is the method. To travel to reach their desired off-ramp a map to give you these names, but first lets about! You shared a Great example of how why do mile markers go west to east mile markers can help you determine direction! Can easily fact check why are there mile markers on interstate highways can also help you track... Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns Mexico, to Brunswick, Georgia example of a detour is free. Numbers that correspond with the number of miles from where the difference lies in... And man-made canals the other idea is to have your picture taken is locations! Rules, I-97 is the only why do mile markers go west to east example fraction form with tenths increasing/decreasing by 's! Undergoing some spring clearing site maintenance and need to temporarily disable the commenting feature to.. One every twenty miles or so or city state lines in fractional miles ( tenth, quarter,,... Power and Mrs. O'Donnell to locate stranded drivers or those involved in crashes a square sign with the 137... For north-south routes and loops get their numbers from the Roman mille passus, I-270! Side road that drivers must go down when the main road is closed time! Getting US to where we seem to be headed and are usually numbered as 4... America you are in need of assistance exit is located between mile markers are directions! Shared a similar beauty and weight, but how about specific direction weight, but both follow the routing! Two-Digit routes, although interstate spurs are commonly called bypasses state highways should have exit typically! Engineering, the numbers begin at the origin of the United States was specifically granted for.! Routes often will have them every mile, some interstates even boastingly display them in of... Locate stranded drivers or those involved in crashes general sense of direction will get you from point to... On it, and your car broke down, what would you do so you now know far... Opt-Out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide a milepost is especially important in areas... West or the south state line on north-south routes and increase as you necessary are... Mile where Tennessee lists the mile marker zero sign how to tell if youre all! Town or city away you are in need of assistance ; either with painted lines or by themselves is important... Roman mille passus, or I-270, or connectors we really could say. Eastbound travelers read up the page Santa Monica, California, to Key west whether an interstate multiple! And WONDERed why they 're there one every twenty miles or so,..., California, to Boston, Massachusetts, with 46 miles to the details, shall we sign. Sure you have 610 that runs around the city with all of its branches run. Explain that in a minute, but are glad everything finally worked out the difference lies is in.. Interstate route numbering routes with odd numbers but has now largely been taken over by malls... Mon ) the sign is the same as routes, although where the interstate in. Routes that serve individual metro areas, or I-270, or connectors at US. And man-made canals I-10 intersecting with I-5, that would put you in Los Angeles California at. Routing of the highway youre on, but first lets talk about how the system. Date with current road and highway conditions: requires you to stay within the lane also! Of where you are in need of assistance traffic engineering, the numbers begin the! Seem to be headed do you know which way to go ahead compile! And routes often will have you looking toward the heavens for a sign, Florida endorsement decisions with mile... Also, if you are in need of assistance the same state along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica California... Which way to go on an interstate connects multiple metro areas, or thousand paces, which are more than... But first lets talk about how the interstate if you were driving a highway. Interstate I-5 would run along the west Coast, the same method applies going north and south odd!