Interstate 55 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Interstate 55
I-55 highlighted in red
Route information
Length	964.25 mi (1,551.81 km)
Existed	1957–present
Major junctions
South end	I-10 in LaPlace, LA
	I-12 in Hammond, LA I-20 in Jackson, MS I-69 in Memphis, TN I-40 in West Memphis, AR I-57 in Sikeston, MO I-44 in St. Louis, MO I-64 / I-70 in East St. Louis, IL I-74 in Bloomington, IL I-80 in Channahon, IL I-90 / I-94 in Chicago, IL
North end	US 41 in Chicago, IL
Location
States:	Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois
Highway system
Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business

Interstate 55 (I-55) is a very long highway in the United States. It is part of the Interstate Highway System. This system helps people travel easily across the country. I-55 starts in LaPlace, Louisiana in the south. It then goes north all the way to Chicago, Illinois.

The highway is about 964 miles (1,552 kilometers) long. It crosses six different states. These states are Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois.

What is Interstate 55?

Interstate 55 is a major road for cars and trucks. It helps connect many important cities. This makes it easier for people to travel. It also helps businesses move goods from one place to another.

How Long is I-55?

I-55 stretches for 964.25 miles. That's like driving from New York City to Miami! It is one of the longer Interstate highways in the U.S.

Where Does I-55 Go?

I-55 connects the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes region. It starts near the Gulf of Mexico. It ends near Lake Michigan in Chicago.

States I-55 Crosses

I-55 passes through six states:

• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Tennessee
• Arkansas
• Missouri
• Illinois

Major Cities Along the Way

As you travel on I-55, you will pass by many big cities. Some of these include:

• Jackson, Mississippi
• Memphis, Tennessee
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Springfield, Illinois
• Chicago, Illinois

History of Interstate 55

The Interstate Highway System was created to build a network of modern roads. These roads were designed for faster and safer travel.

When Was I-55 Built?

Interstate 55 was established in 1957. This means it was one of the first highways planned for the new Interstate system. Building such a long road took many years. It helped connect different parts of the country.

Images for kids

• 

  I-55 splits from I-40 here in West Memphis and heads north toward Jonesboro and the Missouri border.

• 

  I-44/I-55/I-64/I-70 on one highway sign in downtown St. Louis

• 

  Northern terminus at US 41 (Lake Shore Drive) in Chicago

See also

In Spanish: Interestatal 55 para niños