Interstate 405 facts for kids
Interstate 405 (often called I-405) is a special name given to three different major highways in the United States. These highways are part of the Interstate Highway System, a huge network of roads that connect cities and states across the country. Each I-405 highway helps drivers get around busy cities by acting as a 'bypass' or a shortcut.
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Understanding Interstate Highways
What is the Interstate Highway System?
The Interstate Highway System is a vast network of roads that stretches across the entire United States. It was created to help people travel easily between states and major cities. These roads are designed for fast, safe travel and are a key part of how goods and people move across the country. The system began in the 1950s and has grown to include thousands of miles of highways.
How are Interstates Numbered?
Interstate highways have a special numbering system that helps drivers understand where they are going.
- Main routes usually have one or two digits.
- Even numbers (like I-10 or I-90) typically run east-west across the country.
- Odd numbers (like I-5 or I-95) usually run north-south.
- Three-digit numbers are used for shorter routes that connect to a main Interstate. The first digit tells you about its purpose:
- If the first digit is even (like I-405), it means the highway is a bypass or a beltway that goes around a city. It connects back to the main Interstate at both ends.
- If the first digit is odd (like I-190), it means the highway is a spur or a connector that goes into a city but does not connect back to the main Interstate at both ends.
The Three I-405 Highways
There are three different highways in the United States that are all named Interstate 405. Each one serves as a bypass around a major city on the West Coast.
I-405 in California: The Sepulveda Pass
The I-405 in California is one of the busiest highways in the entire country. It runs through Los Angeles, a very large city. This highway is about 72 miles (116 kilometers) long. It helps drivers get around the busy downtown areas of Los Angeles. Many people use it every day for work and travel. Because so many cars use this road, it is famous for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.
I-405 in Oregon: The Portland Bypass
The I-405 in Oregon is a much shorter highway, only about 3 miles (5 kilometers) long. It acts as a bypass around downtown Portland, Oregon. This highway helps drivers connect to other major Interstates, like I-5 and I-84, without having to drive through the busiest parts of the city center. Even though it is short, it is an important link for traffic flow in Portland.
I-405 in Washington: The Seattle Bypass
The I-405 in Washington is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) long. It goes around the eastern side of Seattle, connecting many suburbs and towns in the area. This highway helps drivers avoid the main traffic on I-5 that goes directly through Seattle. It is a vital route for commuters and freight traffic in the Puget Sound region. Like the California I-405, it can also experience heavy traffic during peak hours.
Related pages
- Ontario Highway 405
