U.S. Route 71

U.S. Route 71 is a major north-south United States highway that spans approximately 716 miles, connecting Shreveport, Louisiana to International Falls, Minnesota, passing through Kansas City, Missouri, Des Moines, Iowa, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The route traverses through the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River valley, intersecting with several major highways, including Interstate 10, Interstate 35, and Interstate 90. Along the way, it passes through numerous cities, such as Joplin, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri, and Rochester, Minnesota, which are home to notable institutions like Missouri University of Science and Technology, Drury University, and the Mayo Clinic.

● Route Description

The route begins in Shreveport, Louisiana, at an intersection with Interstate 20 and Interstate 49, and heads north through the Arkansas River valley, passing near Fort Smith, Arkansas and Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to the University of Arkansas. As it enters Missouri, it intersects with U.S. Route 60 and U.S. Route 160, and passes through the Mark Twain National Forest and the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site. The route then continues north through Iowa, passing near Des Moines, Iowa, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds, before entering Minnesota and intersecting with Interstate 35W and Interstate 35E in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes Minneapolis, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.

● History

The route was established in 1926 as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System, and has undergone several realignments and improvements over the years, including the construction of Interstate 29 and Interstate 35, which have reduced traffic volumes on certain segments of the route. The route has also been affected by major events, such as the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the Great Depression, which led to the development of new infrastructure, including the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Works Progress Administration. Notable figures, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, have played a role in shaping the route's history, with their policies and programs influencing the development of the surrounding regions, including the Dust Bowl and the New Deal.

● Major Intersections

The route intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 10 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Interstate 40 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Interstate 35 in Des Moines, Iowa. It also intersects with U.S. Route 60 in Missouri, U.S. Route 151 in Iowa, and Minnesota State Highway 23 in Minnesota. Other notable intersections include U.S. Route 71 Business in Joplin, Missouri, and U.S. Route 71 Alternate in Kansas City, Missouri, which provide access to nearby cities, such as Springfield, Missouri, and Columbia, Missouri, home to the University of Missouri. The route also passes near several national parks and forests, including the Hot Springs National Park and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which are managed by the National Park Service.

● Route Mileage

The route spans approximately 716 miles, with the longest segment being in Missouri, which covers over 200 miles. The route passes through several counties, including Caddo Parish, Louisiana, Sebastian County, Arkansas, and Jasper County, Missouri, and intersects with numerous local roads and highways, such as Missouri Route 13 and Iowa Highway 141. The route also passes near several major airports, including the Shreveport Regional Airport and the Des Moines International Airport, which are served by airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on the route varies significantly depending on the location, with the highest volumes occurring in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, where it intersects with Interstate 35W and Interstate 35E. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, the average annual daily traffic volume on the route ranges from over 50,000 vehicles per day in Minnesota to less than 10,000 vehicles per day in Louisiana. The route is also an important transportation corridor for the agriculture and manufacturing industries, with several major companies, including Cargill and 3M, having facilities along the route, and is served by railroads such as the BNSF Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad.