Interstate 45 Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Interstate 45

I-45 highlighted in red

Route information

Maintained by TXDOT

Length

284.913 mi (458.523 km)

Existed

1971–present

Major junctions

South end

SH 87 in Galveston

Sam Houston Tollway / Beltway 8 in Houston
I-610 (South Loop) / SH 35 / SH 225 in Houston
I-69 / US 59 / SH 288 in Houston
I-10 / US 90 in Houston
I-610 (North Loop) in Houston
SH 99 Toll in Houston, TX
Hardy Toll Road in Spring
US 190 in Huntsville
I-20 in Dallas
US 175 in Dallas

North end

I-30 / I-345 / US 75 in Dallas

Location

Counties:

Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Walker, Madison, Leon, Freestone, Navarro, Ellis, Dallas

Highway system

Main route of the Interstate Highway System
Main • Auxiliary • Business

Highways in Texas
Interstate • U.S. • TX (Loops – Spurs – Rec – FM)

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SH 44

SH 45

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Interstate 45 (I-45) is a very important highway in the state of Texas, United States. It is part of the Interstate Highway System, a big network of roads connecting cities across the country. I-45 runs from the coastal city of Galveston in the south, all the way north to the large city of Dallas.

This highway is about 284.913 miles (458.523 km) long. It helps people travel and move goods between many different parts of Texas.

What is an Interstate Highway?
Where Does I-45 Go?
Cities and Connections
History of I-45
Images for kids
See also

What is an Interstate Highway?

An Interstate Highway is a special type of road in the United States. These highways are built to connect major cities and states. They are designed for fast and efficient travel. Interstate 45 is one of these important roads.

Where Does I-45 Go?

Interstate 45 starts in Galveston, a city on the Gulf Coast. From there, it heads north, passing through many different areas. It goes through big cities, smaller towns, and rural areas too.

The highway's northern end is in Dallas, a major city in North Texas. This means I-45 connects the southern part of Texas with the northern part.

Cities and Connections

I-45 passes through or near many important cities in Texas. It connects with other major highways along its route.

Houston: I-45 goes right through Houston, one of the biggest cities in Texas. Here, it connects with several other Interstate highways like I-610, I-69, and I-10. These connections help drivers get to different parts of Houston and beyond.
Spring: North of Houston, I-45 passes near Spring.
Huntsville: Further north, the highway reaches Huntsville.
Dallas: In Dallas, I-45 connects with I-20 and I-30. These links are important for travel across Texas and to other states.

The highway also crosses through many different counties in Texas. These include Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Walker, Madison, Leon, Freestone, Navarro, Ellis, and Dallas counties.

History of I-45

Interstate 45 was officially established in 1971. However, parts of the road existed before that as other highways. The Interstate Highway System was created to make travel easier and safer across the country. I-45 became a key part of this system in Texas.