Interstate 71 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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I-71 highlighted in red
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| Route information | |||||||||
| Maintained by KYTC and ODOT | |||||||||
| Length | 343.78 mi (553.26 km) | ||||||||
| Restrictions | No hazmats or explosives allowed in the Lytle Tunnel | ||||||||
| Major junctions | |||||||||
| South end |   I-64 / I-65 in Louisville, KY |
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| North end |   I-90 / I-490 in Cleveland, OH |
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| Location | |||||||||
| States: | Kentucky, Ohio | ||||||||
| Counties: | KY: Jefferson, Oldham, Henry, Trimble, Carroll, Gallatin, Boone, Kenton OH: Hamilton, Warren, Clinton, Greene, Fayette, Madison, Pickaway, Franklin, Delaware, Morrow, Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Medina, Cuyahoga |
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| Highway system | |||||||||
| Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business Highways in Kentucky Interstates • US • State • ParkwaysOhio highways Interstates • U.S. Routes • State Routes
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KY 70
→Interstate 71 (I-71) is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. It connects the city of Louisville, Kentucky to Cleveland, Ohio. This important road helps people and goods travel quickly between these two states.
The route is about 343.78 miles (553.26 kilometers) long. It passes through many different areas, from busy cities to quiet countryside. I-71 is a key part of the transportation network in both Kentucky and Ohio.
Contents
What is an Interstate Highway?
An Interstate Highway is a special type of road in the U.S. These roads are designed for fast and safe travel. They connect states and major cities across the country.
Interstates are usually freeways, meaning they have no traffic lights or stop signs. This allows traffic to flow smoothly. They are built and maintained by state transportation departments.
Where Does I-71 Go?
Interstate 71 starts in Louisville, Kentucky. It begins where other major highways, I-64 and I-65, meet. From Louisville, the highway heads northeast.
It travels through several counties in Kentucky. These include Jefferson and Boone counties. I-71 then crosses the Ohio River into Ohio.
I-71 in Ohio
Once in Ohio, I-71 continues its journey northeast. It passes through some of Ohio's biggest cities. One of the first major cities it reaches is Cincinnati. Here, it joins with I-75 for a short distance.
After Cincinnati, I-71 heads towards Columbus, Ohio. Columbus is the capital city of Ohio. The highway connects with I-70 in Columbus. This is another very important cross-country Interstate.
Connecting to Other Highways
As I-71 travels through Ohio, it meets many other Interstates. These connections help drivers reach different parts of the state. For example, it connects with I-76 near Seville, Ohio.
It also links up with I-271 near Medina, Ohio. Closer to its end, I-71 meets I-80. I-80 is part of the Ohio Turnpike, a toll road.
End of the Road
Interstate 71 finishes its long journey in Cleveland, Ohio. Its northern end is in downtown Cleveland. Here, it connects with I-90 and I-490.
I-90 is a very long Interstate that goes across the northern U.S. So, I-71 provides a direct link between Louisville and Cleveland. It also connects many other communities along the way.
Safety on I-71
Like all highways, safety is very important on I-71. There are specific rules to keep everyone safe. One important rule is about the Lytle Tunnel in Cincinnati.
Certain materials are not allowed in this tunnel. For example, dangerous chemicals or explosives cannot go through. This rule helps protect everyone who uses the tunnel.
Images for kids
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I-71 in the hills of Kentucky
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Southern end of I-71 in Downtown Louisville
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I-71 (and I-75) heading northbound into Cincinnati from Kentucky
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Heading northbound into Columbus
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Northern terminus at I-90 in Downtown Cleveland
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Columbus-area highway marker designating I-71 and SR 1 (1965)
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