The United States highway system is a complex and intricate network of roads that connect the country from coast to coast. While the underlying logic behind the highway numbering system makes sense, many aspects of the system seem to defy logic and reason. Let's explore why the highway code makes sense, but everything else about the system is a confusing mess.
3-Digit Highways: Good in Theory, Messy in Practice
The three-digit highway numbering system is a brilliant concept. The first digit indicates the parent interstate or U.S. route, while the second and third digits provide additional information about the highway's purpose and location. However, the execution of this system is far from perfect. Many three-digit highways don't follow the established code, leading to confusion and frustration for drivers. For instance, Interstate 278 in New York is not a spur of Interstate 78, nor does it connect to it on either side, despite the numbering suggesting otherwise.
Interstate Numbers: Skipping the Obvious
One of the most perplexing aspects of the U.S. highway system is the seemingly random assignment of interstate numbers. Why, for example, is there no Interstate 50, despite the existence of U.S. Route 50? And why are there gaps in the numbering system, with interstates skipping from 49 to 55, or from 88 to 90? The rationale behind these decisions is often obscure, leaving drivers scratching their heads and wondering why the system couldn't have been more straightforward. It's as if the highway planners were playing a game of numerical Tetris, trying to fit the interstates into a puzzle that doesn't quite make sense.
U.S. Routes: Logical in Some Places, Nonsensical in Others
The U.S. route system, which predates the interstate system, was designed to provide a network of major highways that connected the country's cities and towns. In theory, this system should make sense, with north-south routes numbered in odd numbers and east-west routes numbered in even numbers. However, the reality on the ground is often quite different. In some regions, the U.S. routes follow this logical pattern, making it easy for drivers to navigate. But in other areas, the routes seem to meander and twist, defying any semblance of order or consistency. U.S. Route 2, for example, is divided into two separate segments, one running from Washington to Michigan, and the other from Minnesota to Maine, with no direct connection between the two.1
Conclusion
The U.S. highway system is a marvel of engineering and planning, but it's also a testament to the fact that even the most well-intentioned systems can become convoluted and confusing over time. While the underlying logic of the highway code makes sense, the execution of that code is often a jumbled mess, leaving drivers frustrated and bewildered. Perhaps the lesson here is that even the most well-designed systems need to be constantly reviewed and refined to ensure they remain relevant and user-friendly. Until then, drivers will continue to navigate the highways of America, wondering why the system couldn't have been a little more straightforward and logical.
More info can be found on:
What the highways look like now:
What it should look like:
Comments