I-86

I-86 is a major east-west Interstate Highway that spans across the state of Idaho, connecting Idaho Falls to Pocatello, passing through the scenic Snake River Plain. The highway is a significant route for travelers and commercial vehicles, providing access to various National Parks and National Forests, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. I-86 also intersects with other major highways, such as I-15 and I-84, which connect to Salt Lake City and Portland. The highway is maintained by the Idaho Transportation Department, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the route.

● Introduction

I-86 is a vital transportation artery that supports the regional economy of Idaho, facilitating the movement of goods and people between Idaho Falls and Pocatello. The highway passes through the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, which is home to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Snake River and the Portneuf Range. I-86 also provides access to several United States Air Force bases, including Mountain Home Air Force Base and Gowen Field, which are located near Boise. The highway is an important route for travelers visiting Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg and Idaho State University in Pocatello.

● Route description

I-86 spans approximately 262 miles, beginning at its western terminus in Idaho Falls and ending at its eastern terminus in Pocatello. The highway passes through the Bonneville County and Bannock County, intersecting with several major highways, including US-20 and US-91. I-86 also crosses the Snake River and passes through the American Falls Reservoir, which is a popular spot for recreational fishing and boating. The highway is a significant route for commercial vehicles, providing access to the Port of Lewiston and the Union Pacific Railroad.

● History

I-86 was established in 1980, as part of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which created the Interstate Highway System. The highway was constructed to improve the safety and efficiency of the route, which was previously served by US-20 and US-91. I-86 was built to connect Idaho Falls and Pocatello, providing a direct route between the two cities and improving access to the surrounding region. The highway has undergone several improvements and upgrades over the years, including the construction of new interchanges and the widening of the roadway to accommodate increasing traffic volumes.

● Major intersections

I-86 intersects with several major highways, including I-15 and I-84, which connect to Salt Lake City and Portland. The highway also intersects with US-20 and US-91, which provide access to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. I-86 passes through the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, which is home to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Snake River and the Portneuf Range. The highway is an important route for travelers visiting Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg and Idaho State University in Pocatello.

● Exit list

The exit list for I-86 includes several major interchanges, including the Idaho Falls interchange, which connects to I-15 and US-20. The highway also has interchanges with US-91 and US-30, which provide access to Pocatello and the surrounding region. I-86 passes through the Bonneville County and Bannock County, intersecting with several minor highways and local roads. The highway is a significant route for commercial vehicles, providing access to the Port of Lewiston and the Union Pacific Railroad.

● Traffic volume

The traffic volume on I-86 varies throughout the year, with the highest volumes occurring during the summer months when tourists visit Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The highway is also an important route for commercial vehicles, with a significant amount of traffic generated by the Idaho National Laboratory and the Mountain Home Air Force Base. I-86 is maintained by the Idaho Transportation Department, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the route. The highway is an important part of the regional transportation infrastructure, providing access to Boise, Salt Lake City, and Portland. The Federal Highway Administration provides funding for the maintenance and improvement of I-86, which is a critical route for the regional economy of Idaho. Category:Interstate Highways in Idaho