U.S. Route 63

U.S. Route 63 is a major north-south United States Numbered Highway that spans approximately 1,286 miles, connecting Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Lafayette, Minnesota, passing through Missouri, Iowa, and other states, including Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The route traverses through various National Parks and National Forests, such as the Mark Twain National Forest and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Along the way, it intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 40, Interstate 55, and Interstate 90. The route also passes through numerous cities, including Columbia, Missouri, Waterloo, Iowa, and Rochester, Minnesota, which are home to notable institutions like the University of Missouri, University of Northern Iowa, and Mayo Clinic.

● Route Description

The route begins in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at an intersection with Interstate 20 and Interstate 59, near the University of Alabama and the Bryant-Denny Stadium. From there, it heads north through Fayette, Alabama, and Corinth, Mississippi, before entering Tennessee, where it passes through Memphis, Tennessee, and intersects with Interstate 40 and Interstate 55. The route then continues north through Missouri, passing through West Plains, Missouri, and Columbia, Missouri, home to the University of Missouri and the Missouri School of Journalism. In Iowa, the route intersects with Interstate 80 and passes through Waterloo, Iowa, and Cedar Falls, Iowa, which are home to the University of Northern Iowa and the Cedar Falls Utilities. The route also passes through the Cedar River, Iowa River, and Mississippi River valleys, which are home to numerous National Wildlife Refuges, including the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

● History

The route was established in 1926 as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System, which was created by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO), now known as the American Association of State Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The route was originally designed to connect the southern states to the northern states, providing a direct route for travelers and commerce. Over the years, the route has undergone several changes, including realignments and upgrades, such as the construction of Interstate 55 and Interstate 90, which have improved the safety and efficiency of the route. The route has also been recognized for its historic significance, with several sections being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ozark Trail, which was a major route for early settlers and traders.

● Major Intersections

The route intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 20, Interstate 40, Interstate 55, Interstate 80, and Interstate 90. It also intersects with several U.S. Routes, including U.S. Route 61, U.S. Route 65, and U.S. Route 71. In addition, the route passes through numerous cities, including Memphis, Tennessee, St. Louis, Missouri, and Des Moines, Iowa, which are home to notable institutions like the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The route also intersects with several state highways, including Missouri Route 5, Iowa Highway 58, and Minnesota State Highway 60.

● Route Mileage

The route spans approximately 1,286 miles, passing through six states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. The route mileage varies by state, with the longest section being in Missouri, which spans approximately 337 miles. The route also passes through several National Forests, including the Mark Twain National Forest and the Superior National Forest, which provide scenic views and recreational opportunities. The route mileage is maintained by the respective state departments of transportation, including the Alabama Department of Transportation, Mississippi Department of Transportation, and Minnesota Department of Transportation.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on the route varies by section, with the highest volumes being in the urban areas, such as Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average annual daily traffic (AADT) on the route ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 vehicles per day. The route is also an important corridor for commercial traffic, with several truck stops and rest areas along the way, including the Iowa 80 Truck Stop and the South of the Border. The traffic volume is monitored by the respective state departments of transportation, which use the data to plan and maintain the route, including the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Iowa Department of Transportation.