US Route 65

US Route 65 is a major north-south United States highway that spans approximately 969 miles, connecting Winnfield to Albert Lea. The route passes through several notable cities, including Little Rock, Springfield, and Des Moines, while also intersecting with prominent highways like Interstate 40 and Interstate 80. US Route 65 is maintained by the Federal Highway Administration and is a significant transportation artery for the regions it serves, including the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River valley. The highway also provides access to popular attractions like Hot Springs National Park and the Mark Twain National Forest.

● Route Description

US Route 65 begins in Winnfield and heads north through Louisiana, passing near Monroe and Shreveport, before entering Arkansas and continuing through Little Rock and Conway. The route then enters Missouri, where it passes through Springfield and Sedalia, before crossing into Iowa and traversing Des Moines and Mason City. US Route 65 also intersects with several other notable highways, including Interstate 44, Interstate 70, and US Route 71, while providing access to popular destinations like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The highway is also near the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and the University of Missouri in Columbia.

● History

The establishment of US Route 65 dates back to 1926, when it was created as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System. The route has undergone several changes and realignments over the years, including the construction of new highways and the bypassing of urban areas. In the 1950s and 1960s, US Route 65 was upgraded to a four-lane highway in many sections, improving safety and reducing travel times. The route has also been affected by various events, including the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the Great Depression, which impacted the development of the surrounding regions. US Route 65 has been recognized for its historical significance, with several sections being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Route 66-aligned Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis.

● Major Intersections

US Route 65 intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 40 in North Little Rock, Interstate 44 in Springfield, and Interstate 80 in Des Moines. The route also intersects with other notable highways, such as US Route 67 in Prescott, US Route 71 in Joplin, and US Route 218 in Cedar Falls. Additionally, US Route 65 provides access to several popular attractions, including the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, and the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. The highway is also near the University of Iowa in Iowa City and the Drake University in Des Moines.

● Route Mileage

The total length of US Route 65 is approximately 969 miles, spanning across five states: Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. The route mileage is divided among these states, with the longest section being in Missouri, which accounts for approximately 311 miles. The shortest section is in Minnesota, which accounts for approximately 14 miles. US Route 65 passes through various regions, including the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River valley, while also providing access to popular destinations like the Mark Twain National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The highway is also near the Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on US Route 65 varies depending on the location and time of day. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, the average annual daily traffic (AADT) on US Route 65 ranges from approximately 10,000 vehicles per day in rural areas to over 50,000 vehicles per day in urban areas. The highest traffic volumes are typically found in the Des Moines and Springfield areas, where the route intersects with other major highways like Interstate 80 and Interstate 44. The traffic volume on US Route 65 is also affected by various events, including the Iowa State Fair and the Ozark Mountain Music Festival, which attract large numbers of visitors to the region. The highway is also near the Kansas City International Airport and the Des Moines International Airport, which serve as major transportation hubs for the region.