Interstate 238 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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I-238 highlighted in red
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| Route information | ||||
| Defined by S&HC § 538 | ||||
| Maintained by Caltrans | ||||
| Length | 2.126 mi (3.421 km) | |||
| Existed | May 1983 by FHWA–present | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| South end |   I-580 / SR 238 in Castro Valley |
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| North end |  I-880 in San Leandro |
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| Location | ||||
| Counties: | Alameda | |||
| Highway system | ||||
| Auxiliary route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business State highways in California(list • pre-1964)
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Interstate 238 is a special road in California, United States. It is part of the Interstate Highway System, a large network of roads that connect cities across the country. This road helps drivers travel between Interstate 580 in Castro Valley and Interstate 880 in San Leandro.
Interstate 238 is quite short, only about 2.126 miles (3.421 km) long. It was officially made an Interstate Highway in May 1983. You might wonder why it's called "238" when there isn't an "Interstate 38." This is because it used to be part of California State Route 238. The number 238 was kept because other numbers ending in "80" were already in use.
Contents
What is an Interstate Highway?
Interstate Highways are major roads in the United States. They are built to connect states and important cities. These roads are usually freeways, meaning they have no traffic lights or intersections. This helps people travel quickly and safely.
The Interstate Highway System began in the 1950s. It was designed to help with travel, trade, and even national defense. Today, it is one of the largest road systems in the world.
Why is Interstate 238 Important?
Even though Interstate 238 is short, it plays a key role in local traffic. It connects two very busy Interstate Highways: I-580 and I-880. These connections help people get around the San Francisco Bay Area.
The road is located entirely within Alameda County. It helps people commute for work or travel for fun. It also helps trucks move goods between different areas.
How Interstate Highways are Numbered
Most Interstate Highways have one or two digits, like I-5 or I-80. Roads with three digits are usually "auxiliary" routes. This means they connect to a main Interstate.
For example, a road like I-280 would connect to I-80. The first digit often tells you something about the road. If it's an odd number, it usually goes into a city. If it's an even number, it often goes around a city. Interstate 238 is a unique case because it doesn't follow the typical numbering rules. It kept its number from its past as a state route.
Images for kids
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SR 238 approaching SR 84 (Niles Canyon Road) in Fremont
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Overhead signage along southbound I-880 marking the exit for I-238
See also
Read about Interstate 238 in Spanish: Interestatal 238 para niños
