U.S. Route 67

U.S. Route 67 is a major north-south United States highway that spans approximately 1,560 miles, connecting Presidio, Texas to St. Louis, Missouri, passing through the states of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Iowa. The route traverses through various national parks and national forests, including the Ouachita National Forest and the Mark Twain National Forest. Along the way, it intersects with several major highways, such as Interstate 30 and Interstate 44, and passes near notable cities like Little Rock, Arkansas, and Springfield, Missouri. The highway also crosses the Mississippi River at West Alton, Missouri, and the Arkansas River at Dumas, Arkansas.

● Route Description

The route begins in Presidio, Texas, at the Mexico–United States border, and heads north through the Chihuahuan Desert, passing near the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. As it enters Arkansas, it traverses the Ouachita Mountains and passes through the Ouachita National Forest, near the Hot Springs National Park. The highway then continues north through Missouri, passing near the Mark Twain National Forest and the Lake of the Ozarks. In Iowa, the route passes through the Driftless Area and near the Yellow River State Forest. The highway also intersects with several US highways, including U.S. Route 71, U.S. Route 65, and U.S. Route 63, and passes near notable landmarks like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

● History

The establishment of U.S. Route 67 dates back to 1926, when it was originally designated as a route from El Paso, Texas to Chicago, Illinois. Over the years, the route has undergone several changes, including realignments and extensions. In the 1930s, the highway was extended south to Presidio, Texas, and in the 1950s, it was realigned to bypass the city of St. Louis, Missouri. The route has also been improved with the construction of interstate highways, such as Interstate 30 and Interstate 44, which have reduced travel times and increased safety. Notable events, such as the Great Depression and World War II, have also impacted the development and maintenance of the highway. The route has been recognized for its historical significance, with several sections being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Route 66 State Park in Missouri.

● Major Intersections

U.S. Route 67 intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 10 in Texas, Interstate 30 in Arkansas, and Interstate 44 in Missouri. The highway also intersects with U.S. Route 71 in Texarkana, Arkansas, U.S. Route 65 in Lake Village, Arkansas, and U.S. Route 63 in West Plains, Missouri. Additionally, the route passes near several notable cities, including El Paso, Texas, Amarillo, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Springfield, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri. The highway also crosses the Mississippi River at West Alton, Missouri, and the Arkansas River at Dumas, Arkansas, and passes near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri.

● Route Variations

There are several variations of U.S. Route 67, including U.S. Route 67 Alternate in Arkansas, which provides an alternate route through the Ouachita Mountains. Another variation is U.S. Route 67 Business in Missouri, which passes through the city of West Plains, Missouri. The highway also has several state highways that intersect with it, including Texas State Highway 20 in Texas, Arkansas Highway 7 in Arkansas, and Missouri Route 13 in Missouri. The route has been recognized for its scenic beauty, with several sections being designated as National Scenic Byways, including the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway in Arkansas and Missouri.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on U.S. Route 67 varies depending on the location and time of day. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average annual daily traffic volume on the route ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 vehicles per day. The highest traffic volumes are typically found in urban areas, such as St. Louis, Missouri, and Little Rock, Arkansas, while the lowest volumes are found in rural areas, such as Presidio, Texas, and West Plains, Missouri. The highway is also an important route for truck traffic, with several truck stops and rest areas located along the way, including the Little Rock Port Authority in Arkansas, and the St. Louis Regional Freightway in Missouri. The route has been improved with the construction of interstate highways and other infrastructure projects, such as the Arkansas Highway Commission and the Missouri Department of Transportation.