Interstate 89

Interstate 89 is a vital transportation artery connecting New Hampshire and Vermont, spanning approximately 191 miles. The highway passes through the scenic Green Mountains and White Mountains, providing access to popular destinations like Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, and Lebanon, a major commercial center. I-89 intersects with several significant routes, including I-93 and US-4, facilitating travel between Boston, Burlington, and Portland. The highway is maintained by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the Vermont Agency of Transportation, ensuring safe and efficient travel for commuters and tourists alike, including those visiting Dartmouth College and University of Vermont.

● Route Description

The route of I-89 begins at an intersection with I-93 in Bow, New Hampshire, near the city of Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. From there, it proceeds northward, passing through the Lake Sunapee region and the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee area, which includes New London and Hanover, home to Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth Medical School. The highway then enters Vermont, where it traverses the Eastern Townships and the Champlain Valley, offering stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. I-89 also passes near the Shelburne Museum, a renowned cultural institution, and the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a popular science museum. As the highway approaches its northern terminus, it intersects with US-7 and US-2, providing access to Burlington and Montreal, a major city in Quebec, Canada.

● History

The construction of I-89 began in the 1960s, as part of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which aimed to create a comprehensive network of interstate highways across the United States. The project involved the collaboration of the Federal Highway Administration, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The highway was designed to improve connectivity between New England and the rest of the country, while also promoting economic growth and development in the region. I-89 was officially completed in 1982, with a total construction cost of approximately $200 million, which is equivalent to over $500 million in today's dollars, adjusted for inflation. The highway has undergone several improvements and upgrades since its completion, including the addition of new interchanges and the reconstruction of existing ones, such as the I-89 and US-4 interchange in Randolph.

● Major Intersections

I-89 intersects with several major highways, including I-93 in New Hampshire, US-4 in Vermont, and US-2 in Shelburne. The highway also intersects with US-5 in Newport and US-7 in Burlington, providing access to Lake Memphremagog and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Additionally, I-89 passes near the Adirondack Park, a large, decentralized park in Upstate New York, and the White Mountain National Forest, a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The highway is also close to the Quebec border, making it an important route for international trade and tourism, including travel to Montreal and Quebec City.

● Exit List

The exit list for I-89 includes several notable interchanges, such as exit 1 in Bow, which connects to I-93 and US-3 in Concord; exit 10 in New London, which connects to US-11 and NH-11; and exit 19 in Lebanon, which connects to US-4 and NH-10. In Vermont, notable interchanges include exit 1 in Sharon, which connects to US-14 and VT-14; exit 5 in Royalton, which connects to US-5 and VT-14; and exit 16 in Colchester, which connects to US-2 and US-7. The highway also passes near the University of Vermont and Champlain College, two prominent institutions of higher education in the region.

● Impact and Usage

The construction of I-89 has had a significant impact on the economy and development of New Hampshire and Vermont. The highway has facilitated the growth of tourism, commerce, and industry in the region, while also improving connectivity between New England and the rest of the country. I-89 is an important route for commuters, with many people traveling between Burlington and Montpelier for work or education, including students attending University of Vermont and Vermont Law School. The highway is also a popular route for tourists, with many visitors traveling to Stowe, Smugglers' Notch State Park, and the Green Mountains for outdoor recreation, including skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort and hiking in the Camel's Hump State Park. Additionally, I-89 plays a critical role in the transportation of goods and services, with many trucks and commercial vehicles using the highway to transport products between New England and the rest of the country, including those traveling to and from Boston and Portland.