Interstate 76 (west) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Interstate 76
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Route information
Length	188.10 mi (302.72 km)
Existed	1975–present
Major junctions
West end	I-70 Arvada, CO
	I-25 in North Washington, CO
East end	I-80 near Big Springs, NE
Highway system
Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business ← SH 75 CO SH 78 → ← US 75 NE US 77 →

Interstate 76 is an important road that's part of the Interstate Highway System in the United States. Think of it as a superhighway that helps people travel long distances across different states. This particular highway starts in Arvada, Colorado, and heads northeast until it reaches Big Springs, Nebraska. The entire route is about 188.10 miles (or 302.72 kilometers) long.

What is an Interstate Highway?

Interstate Highways are a special network of roads built to connect major cities and states across the USA. They are designed for fast and safe travel. These roads are usually wide, with multiple lanes, and they don't have traffic lights or stop signs. Instead, they use special ramps and bridges to let cars get on and off without stopping.

Why were Interstates built?

The idea for the Interstate Highway System started many years ago. It was created to help people travel more easily and to move goods across the country. It also had a big role in national defense, allowing military vehicles to move quickly if needed. The system was officially started in 1956.

Interstate 76's Journey

Interstate 76 connects two states: Colorado and Nebraska. It's a key route for travelers heading between these areas.

Starting in Colorado

I-76 begins in Arvada, Colorado, which is a city near Denver. At its start, it connects with Interstate 70, another major cross-country highway. As I-76 travels through Colorado, it passes through different landscapes. You might see open plains and farmlands. It also goes near North Washington, Colorado, where it meets Interstate 25, a highway that runs north and south through Colorado.

Entering Nebraska

After its journey through Colorado, Interstate 76 crosses into Nebraska. It continues its path northeast. The highway ends near Big Springs, Nebraska, where it connects with Interstate 80. I-80 is one of the longest Interstate Highways in the country, stretching from California to New Jersey. This connection means I-76 helps link travelers to even more destinations across the USA.

A Change in Direction Signs

For a long time, I-76 in Nebraska was signed as a north-south route. But in 2021, this changed! As part of a big project to rebuild the interchange with I-80, the signs were updated. Now, I-76 is correctly signed as an east-west route, matching how it's officially recognized.

Images for kids

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  I-70 at its interchange with I-76

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  I-76 near Brush

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  I-76 formerly signed as a north–south route in Nebraska until 2021 when it was switched to an east–west designation as part of the I-80 interchange reconstruction project that took place in the 2020–2021 construction season

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  I-76 exit along E-470