U.S. Route 40

U.S. Route 40 is a major east-west United States highway that spans from Silver Summit, Utah to Atlantic City, New Jersey, passing through Nevada, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. The route connects several major cities, including Salt Lake City, Utah, Denver, Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland. Along the way, it intersects with other significant highways, such as Interstate 70, Interstate 80, and U.S. Route 30. The route also passes through various national parks and national forests, including the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Monongahela National Forest.

● Route Description

The route begins in Silver Summit, Utah, at an intersection with Interstate 80, and heads east through the Rocky Mountains, passing through Park City, Utah, and Denver, Colorado. It then continues east through the Great Plains, passing through Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri, before entering Illinois and intersecting with Interstate 55 and Interstate 57. The route then passes through Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, before entering Pennsylvania and intersecting with Interstate 76 and Interstate 79. It then continues east through Maryland, passing through Baltimore, Maryland, and Annapolis, Maryland, before entering New Jersey and terminating in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Along the way, it passes through various census-designated places, including Cumberland, Maryland, and Hagerstown, Maryland. The route is maintained by the Federal Highway Administration and the respective state Department of Transportation agencies, including the Utah Department of Transportation, Colorado Department of Transportation, and New Jersey Department of Transportation.

● History

The route was established in 1926 as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System, and it has undergone several changes and realignments over the years. In the early years, the route was known as the Victory Highway, and it was a major route for World War I veterans returning from Europe. The route was also used by Route 66 travelers, who would often take U.S. Route 40 as an alternative to the more crowded Route 66. The route has been improved and upgraded over the years, with the construction of Interstate 70 and Interstate 80, which have reduced traffic on the route. The route has also been recognized for its historic significance, and it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

● Major Intersections

The route intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 70, Interstate 80, Interstate 55, Interstate 57, Interstate 76, and Interstate 79. It also intersects with other significant highways, such as U.S. Route 30, U.S. Route 50, and U.S. Route 60. The route passes through several major cities, including Salt Lake City, Utah, Denver, Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland. The route is also close to several major United States Air Force bases, including Schriever Air Force Base and Andrews Air Force Base. The route intersects with several major Amtrak routes, including the California Zephyr and the Capitol Limited.

● Route Mileage

The total length of the route is approximately 2,285.74 miles, making it one of the longest highways in the United States. The route passes through 11 states, including Utah, Nevada, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. The route is maintained by the Federal Highway Administration and the respective state Department of Transportation agencies. The route has several business loops and bypasses, including the U.S. Route 40 Business loop in Hagerstown, Maryland. The route is also close to several major national parks, including the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Shenandoah National Park.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on the route varies depending on the location and time of day. The route is heavily trafficked in urban areas, such as Baltimore, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with average daily traffic volumes ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 vehicles per day. In rural areas, the traffic volume is significantly lower, with average daily traffic volumes ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day. The route is also subject to seasonal fluctuations in traffic volume, with increased traffic during the summer months and holidays, such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving. The route is monitored by the Federal Highway Administration and the respective state Department of Transportation agencies, which use traffic volume data to plan and maintain the route. The route is also used by several major trucking companies, including J.B. Hunt and Schneider National.