Interstate 49 Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Interstate 49
Route of completed sections of I-49 as of 2014 in red
Route information
Length	528.02 mi (849.77 km)
Existed	1984–present
Original segment
South end	I-10 / US 167 in Lafayette, LA
North end	I-20 in Shreveport, LA
Northern Louisiana–southern Arkansas segment
South end	LA 3194 in Shreveport, LA
Major junctions	AR 151 in Texarkana, AR I-30 in Texarkana, AR
North end	US 71 / US 59 in Texarkana, AR
Northern Arkansas segment
South end	I-40 / US 71 in Alma, AR
North end	US 71 / AR 549 in Bella Vista, AR
Missouri segment
South end	US 71 in Pineville, MO
Major junctions	I-44 near Joplin, MO
North end	I-435 / I-470 / US 50 / US 71 in Kansas City
Location
States:	Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri

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

Interstate 49 (often called I-49) is a major highway in the United States. It's part of the Interstate Highway System, which is a big network of roads connecting different states. I-49 starts in Lafayette, Louisiana, and goes all the way north to Kansas City, Missouri.

This highway is about 208.25 miles (335.15 km) long. It helps people travel easily between cities and states. Think of it as a super-fast road designed for long journeys!

What is Interstate 49?
- Connecting Three States
Where Does I-49 Go?
Building the Highway
- Mile Markers and Signs
Images for kids
See also

What is Interstate 49?

Interstate 49 is a modern highway built for fast and safe travel. It connects important cities and regions. The highway was first established in 1984. Since then, it has been expanded to cover more ground.

Connecting Three States

I-49 travels through three different states:

This means you can drive on I-49 to visit places in all three of these states. It's a key route for both people and goods.

Where Does I-49 Go?

I-49 has different parts that have been built over time. It starts in the southern part of Louisiana and heads north.

Louisiana's Section

The first part of I-49 was built in Louisiana. It connects Lafayette to Shreveport. This section helps people travel between these two big Louisiana cities.

Arkansas and Missouri Sections

From Shreveport, I-49 continues north into Arkansas. It passes near Texarkana. Eventually, it reaches Missouri. In Missouri, I-49 goes through places like Joplin. It ends in Kansas City.

Future Plans for I-49

Some parts of I-49 are still being built or planned. These are called "future corridors." They will help connect even more areas. For example, there's a part called the Bella Vista Bypass in Arkansas. It helps drivers go around the town of Bella Vista more easily.

Building the Highway

Building a big highway like I-49 takes a lot of planning and work. Engineers and construction workers build bridges, tunnels, and smooth roads. They also make sure the highway is safe for everyone.

Mile Markers and Signs

Along the highway, you'll see signs called "mile markers." These signs tell you how far you've traveled on the highway. They help drivers know where they are. You'll also see "reassurance markers" that confirm you are still on I-49.

Images for kids

I-49 near Chopin, Louisiana (2009)
I-49 rises into the Ozark Mountains south of Fayetteville.
Former ghost ramp which serves as the northern end of the Bella Vista Bypass was opened on October 1, 2021.
I-49 milepost marker south of Carthage, Missouri, temporarily turned so as not to be visible to traffic.
First reassurance marker on AR 549 north of US 71 near Texarkana
Ray LaHood (center) addresses attendees at the Bella Vista Bypass groundbreaking ceremony on June 8, 2011
New location of AR 72 near Hiwasse, Arkansas, in order to accommodate an interchange with the future Bella Vista Bypass (to the right)
Future corridor I-49 sign in Lafayette, Louisiana